For the Pittsburgh Pirates, 2024 marked a season of resurgence, fueled by a talented roster eager to leave its mark. At the heart of that transformation stood rookie sensation Paul Skenes, a pitcher whose dominance on the mound captured the imagination of fans and analysts alike. The 22-year-old right-hander, heralded as one of the most exciting prospects in recent memory, didn’t just live up to the hype-he exceeded it.
This season saw Skenes become the rare rookie to headline the All-Star Game as the National League’s starting pitcher. His poise and precision stood out in a campaign where the Pirates began rewriting their story in a competitive division. While the team’s playoff aspirations fell short, Skenes’ brilliance kept them in the conversation and gave fans a glimpse of a brighter future.
Paul Skenes and Olivia Dunne Return to LSU for College GameDay
On Monday night, Skenes’ extraordinary year earned the ultimate validation as he was named the National League Rookie of the Year. The announcement, broadcast on MLB Network, confirmed what many had already suspected: the Pirates’ young ace wasn’t just good; he was historic. Skenes beat out fellow nominees Jackson Chourio of the Milwaukee Brewers and Jackson Merrill of the San Diego Padres to claim the prestigious Jackie Robinson Rookie of the Year Award.
“The coolest part is that it kind of puts a bow on this year, and now I can look forward to next year,”Skenes said during the live broadcast. “Staying present through it all made a difference for me. I surrounded myself with good people and was lucky to experience everything this season brought.”
Paul Skenes: A historic rookie campaign for the ages
Skenes becomes just the second Pirate to win the award, joining outfielder Jason Bay, who claimed it in 2004. More notably, Skenes is the first Pirates pitcher ever to achieve the honor, underscoring the rarity of his rookie feats. His stats tell the story of a pitcher beyond his years: an 11-3 record, a 1.96 ERA, and 170 strikeouts in just 133 innings-a Pirates rookie record.
While those numbers would be jaw-dropping for any pitcher, they’re downright historic for a first-year player. Skenes became the only rookie in MLB history to maintain an ERA under 2.00 while surpassing 150 strikeouts through 21 games. Such consistency not only elevated his team but also earned him a finalist spot for the Cy Young Award.
The Cy Young, which will be awarded Wednesday, could mark another historic milestone for Skenes. Should he win, he would join Pirates legends Vern Law (1960) and Doug Drabek (1990) as the only players in franchise history to receive the honor. Whether he claims the title or not, his name already stands among the greats of Pittsburgh’s storied past.
For now, Pirates fans can look forward to seeing their Rookie of the Year in action next season. The team’s home opener is slated for April 4 against the New York Yankees, though fans might have to wait until then to see Skenes take the mound in front of the home crowd. Until that first pitch, his Rookie of the Year Award serves as a symbol of hope for what the future holds-for both Skenes and the Pirates.