During the last MLB draft, the Pittsburgh Pirates made the right choice with the very first selection of the auction, getting their hands on pitcher Paul Skenes from the LSU Tigers.
The right-hander was selected first overall because of his power and the fact that he was probably the closest in the major leagues, even ahead of teammate Dylan Crews.
And it seems that this will come to fruition as soon as next June. At least that’s Jim Callis’ opinion, and mine by the same token.
The young Gunner’s fastball reached 98 miles per hour late in the season in the Florida State League, while combining with a consistent slider ball proved a formidable weapon.
Some will tell you that this fastball doesn’t have enough movement to be his go-to shot. But don’t be fooled, that won’t stop Skenes from making his MLB debut in 2024.
He will not be the first nor the last to have this type of throw and to be successful, Nathan Eovaldi having built his career on it. Do you remember what he just experienced in October?
Ah yes, only a conquest of the World Series. Just that. Not worse for a guy who was supposed to have an easy-to-hit fastball, right?
The Pirates have an affiliate system filled with quality arms like Skenes, Termarr Johnson and Jared Jones, to name a few.
It will be enough to build around these young guns and that will start in 2024.
