First Pirates’ Spring Training for Paul Skenes Offers Glimpse of What Could Be (+)

BRADENTON, Fla. — It’s been a while since the Pittsburgh Pirates had a prospect generate as much hype as right-handed pitcher Paul Skenes.

The Pirates selected Skenes with the first pick in last year’s draft after a spectacular season with Louisiana State University. Skenes helped lead the Tigers to the College World Series by going 13-2 with a 1.69 ERA and 209 strikeouts in 122.2 innings pitched.

Skenes was recently named the top pitching prospect in baseball by both MLB Pipeline and Baseball America. Pipeline lists him as the No. 3 prospect in the sport.

The 21-year-old understands the significance of being the game’s top pitching prospect, but he also realizes he still has to go out and perform.