If you weren’t convinced that Paul Skenes is different from most, let this latest milestone be the proof. The Pittsburgh Pirates have officially named the 22-year-old as their Opening Day starter. In doing so, Skenes is once again setting a new record in the history books.
Breaking Records Before Most Pitchers Even Get Their Shot
Skenes was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft. He was the top pitching prospect in baseball and his rookie campaign was nothing short of insane.
He won NL Rookie of the Year, finished third in Cy Young voting, and started in the All-Star Game. But even for a player with that résumé, earning an Opening Day start this early in his career is almost unheard of.
How rare is this? According to MLB.com’s Sarah Langs, no other No. 1 overall pick has ever started an Opening Day this soon after being drafted.
The previous record holders, Mike Moore and Stephen Strasburg, both had to wait three years before getting the nod. Skenes? He’s doing it in less than two.
Skenes Dominance Stretches Beyond One Season
Last season, in 23 big league starts, he went 11-3 with a 1.96 ERA, a WHIP just under 1.00, and an average of 11.5 strikeouts per nine innings.
That wasn’t a fluke either—his dominance stretches all the way back to college and the minors, where he posted a 2.14 ERA and a staggering 13.7 K/9 rate.
It’s not just the raw stats that tell the story—it’s how he gets it done. A fastball that routinely touches triple digits, a devastating slider, and pinpoint command make him nearly unhittable. His ability to make elite hitters look lost at the plate is what separates him from the pack.
A Must-Watch Opening Day Matchup
All eyes will be on Skenes when the Pirates take the field on March 27 against the Miami Marlins. Last time he faced Miami? Six innings, one run, nine strikeouts.
If history is any indication, Opening Day might just be another chance for Skenes to add to his growing list of records.
