by As the Pirates limp to the end of the 2023 season, there has been a huge spotlight on 2023 first overall pick Paul Skenes, a right-handed pitcher out of LSU. Skenes has now made two appearances in his professional career. One for the FCL Pirates and one appearance for the Bradenton Marauders (Low A). Both starts were dominate as Skenes threw a clean inning in each outing and was able to display his 80-grade fastball and above average slider. The real question surrounding Skenes is when will we see him in Pittsburgh? There is only one right answer to that question.
Paul Skenes must be on the opening day roster for the 2024 Major League Baseball season. There are two reasons why this is the only option for the Pirates. The first and obvious reason is that Skenes as of today is already a top 3 pitcher in the Pirates organization. Behind both club’s All-Stars David Bednar and Mitch Keller, Skenes would be atop the entire organization with his repertoire of pitches and success. If the Pirates are serious about winning and competing in 2024 and beyond, it is only happening with Skenes in the rotation.
The second reason why Skenes must start the year in the MLB next season is that if he wins NL Rookie of the Year, the Pirates will be rewarded with a first-round compensation pick in the 2025 Amateur Draft. MLB started a prospect promotion incentive which rewards clubs for playing their young stars earlier instead of manipulating service time as we have seen plenty of instances of happening. Skenes will qualify for this list as he has less than 60 days of MLB service as well as being a Top 100 prospect in all rankings (MLB.com, Baseball America, and ESPN). If Skenes finishes second or third in the Rookie of the Year voting, which is almost a guarantee will earn the club a pick in the International Draft. Earning MVP and CY Young award votes also would respectively earn draft compensation, but the point is that this would be a great perk that a small market club like the Pirates can utilize and playing Paul Skenes in the MLB now is helping the team compete, so why not go for the high draft compensation reward. Bring winning baseball back to Pittsburgh and do the right thing and start Paul Skenes in the MLB rotation come 2024!