Paul Skenes named 2024 Rookie of the Year by Baseball America
- Paul Skenes had an impressive season with an 11-3 record and a 1.96 ERA, achieving 170 strikeouts.
- He became the first rookie pitcher since 1918 to have at least 23 starts with a sub-2.00 ERA.
- His recognition as Rookie of the Year highlights his significant impact on the Pirates and the MLB.
In 2024, Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes achieved remarkable success, being recognized as Baseball America's Rookie of the Year. This accolade marks him as the second player from the Pirates to receive this honor, following Andrew McCutchen's win in 2009. Skenes, who was the first overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft, had an impressive season, finishing with an 11-3 record and a 1.96 ERA over 23 starts. His performance included 170 strikeouts and a batting average against of just .198, showcasing his dominance on the mound. Notably, Skenes became the first rookie pitcher since 1918 to achieve at least 23 starts with a sub-2.00 ERA, highlighting his exceptional talent and consistency throughout the season. His .198 batting average against is the lowest recorded by a Pirates starter with a minimum of 16 starts, further emphasizing his effectiveness as a pitcher. Skenes made his MLB debut on May 11, and his outstanding performance earned him the distinction of having the lowest ERA in all of Major League Baseball after his debut. Additionally, he was selected as the starting pitcher for the National League in the 2024 All-Star Game, a rare achievement for a rookie pitcher, making him only the fifth to do so in history. This recognition not only cements Skenes' status as a rising star in baseball but also reflects positively on the Pittsburgh Pirates organization, which has seen a resurgence in talent and performance in recent years.