MLB Draft: LSU Pitcher Paul Skenes Selected No. 1 Overall by the Pittsburgh Pirates
LSU right-handed pitcher Paul Skenes came to Baton Rouge to perfect his craft, and after one year with the Tigers, he quickly became the top pitcher in all of college baseball. On Sunday, it all came together after Skenes was selected No. 1 overall by the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Skenes finished the 2023 season with a 12-2 record as LSU’s ace with a 1.69 ERA, which ranked second in the nation. His 209 strikeouts — an SEC record — led the nation, as did his 0.75 walks plus hits per inning pitched.
The meteoric rise of Skenes took the country by storm. After committing to LSU in late July of 2022, the former Air Force star transferred down South with one goal in mind and that was to work towards becoming the best pitcher in college baseball.
The plan was executed to perfection.
Skenes was named the Southeastern Conference Pitcher of the Year, led NCAA Division I in strikeouts (209, breaking Ben McDonald's school and SEC record), strikeouts per nine innings (15.3) and WHIP (0.75) and ranked second in wins (12), ERA (1.69) and opponents' average (.165).
Here’s what MLB.com had to say of Skenes ahead of the 2023 MLB Draft:
“After working at 93-95 mph and touching 99 with his fastball as a sophomore, Skenes has averaged 98 mph and hit 102 at LSU, with the flat approach angle and carry on his heater making it almost impossible to hit. His slider has improved under the tutelage of Tigers pitching coach Wes Johnson, becoming an 85-89 mph beast with sharp break and absurd swing-and-miss and chase rates. His power changeup arrives at 88-93 mph with fade and is a solid offering when he lands it in the strike zone.
Physically imposing at 6-foot-6 and 235 pounds, Skenes is athletic with the body control to repeat a sound delivery and provide plenty of strikes. A classic No. 1 starter, he'd also factor into the top three rounds as a position player thanks to his huge right-handed power to all fields and projected solid defense at first base. He caught some at the Air Force but is too big for the position.”
Skenes’ monumental rise was the storyline of LSU’s 2023 season, leading the Tigers to the National Championship after a historic showing in Omaha.
Now, Skenes takes his talents to Pittsburgh to begin his professional journey after a legendary run in Baton Rouge.