On Monday, live on MLB Network TV, National Baseball Hall of Famer Cal Ripken Jr. made the official announcement—Pittsburgh Pirates’ pitcher Paul Skenes has been selected the 2024 MLB National League Rookie of the Year.
Skenes earned 23 of 30 first-place votes and 136 points. San Diego Padres’ Outfielder Jackson Merrill came in second place with 104 points. Thirty individual ballots were submitted by members of the Baseball Writers’ Association of America, with two writers representing each city in the National League.
Not since Stephen Strasburg burst onto the MLB scene for the Washington Nationals in June 2010, in his debut against the Pirates, has a pitcher gripped baseball at its highest level as Skenes did this past season. The 2023 overall top MLB draft pick out of LSU didn’t disappoint the club that selected him. Once being called up from Triple-A Indianapolis where he began his first full season in pro ball, Skenes dominated as a crafty veteran from the mound.
A record of 11–3, combined with 170 strikeouts over 133 innings, and a 1.96 ERA in 23 starts transformed Skenes into the “Prince of Pitching.”
When asked about how he felt in being recognized as the National League’s top rookie for this past season, Skenes addressed Pittsburgh-area writers via Zoom shortly after Ripken made the announcement.
“It’s cool. I’m honored. It’s [winning the award] a product of me showing up everyday. The results take care of themselves,” he said.
Learning how to compete on the professional level during his introductory season was a hurdle Skenes appeared to approach without a hitch. Adjusting to the travel schedule, learning habits of the best hitters in the game, understanding how to prepare for a 162-game season, along with the growing public attention, Skenes didn’t seem fazed by the requirements of his chosen profession.
Along with Rookie of the Year honors, Skenes’ list of achievements included starting the 2024 MLB All-Star Game for the National League this past July in Texas, being a finalist for the National League’s CY Young Award recognizing the most outstanding pitcher, being selected to the All-MLB First Team (one of five starting pitchers), and being named Baseball Digest and Baseball America’s National League Rookie of the Year.
“We are really proud of Paul and all he accomplished this year leading to winning Rookie of the Year honors,” said Pirates General Manager Ben Cherington in a prepared statement from the club. “On top of having a dominant first season, he handled the spotlight that came with it extraordinarily well. He is a big part of the future of the Pirates, and we’re excited for what’s to come from him and our team.”
Success has arrived for Skenes rapidly. In 2023, after leading LSU to a College World Series championship, then being drafted by the Pirates in July, his professional career was jump-started in Bradenton, Florida.
At the southern home of the Pirates, Skenes faced a few batters in a Florida Coast League game, and that was followed by appearances for the Single-A Bradenton Marauders of the Florida State League. Two strikeouts, 16 pitches, and a scoreless inning against the Lakeland Flying Tigers was his impressive debut. One more game with Bradenton, then Skenes was whisked off to Double-A Altoona for two appearances. When spring training broke this past March at LECOM Park, Skenes excited Bradenton for seven games with the Indianapolis Indians.
With little more to dominate on the Minor League level, Skenes received the “call” to Pittsburgh, and made his debut, at PNC Park, on May 11. Before a packed stadium, Skenes dominated the Chicago Cubs, leading the Pirates to a 10–9 victory. During his debut, Skenes confused opposing batters by collecting seven strikeouts and tossing 17 fastballs, all reaching 100 miles per hour or higher.
“We’re thrilled for Paul to win this award after completing his incredible rookie season,” said Pirates Manager Derek Shelton, also coming from a Pirates’ club-issued statement. “What stands out the most is that he was one of the best pitchers in baseball in what was ultimately his first full professional season. Everything from posting a sub-2.00 ERA to starting the All-Star Game, and all the accolades in between, he is a special pitcher who is just scratching the surface of his full potential.”
There is an abundance of excitement and confidence from Skenes, when anticipating reporting for his second spring training, come mid-February. He sees winning the top National League Rookie award as a building block for him and his fellow Pirates’ pitchers for a successful 2025. With all the attention swirling around him, even now during the off-season, Skenes is committed to staying focused on his top priority of being prepared for the coming season.
Mentally, Skenes is able to block out any public interference, so he can better concentrate on his work.
“I try to stay away from what people are saying. I’m not on any social media,” said Skenes.
The National League Jackie Robinson Rookie of the Year Award will be presented to Skenes in New York City on Jan. 25, 2025, at the 100th Centennial New York Baseball Writers’ Dinner at the Hilton in Midtown Manhattan.
