MLB Insider Outlines Best Plan Forward For Pittsburgh Pirates and Top Overall Draft Choice

For those fans who are hoping to see Pittsburgh Pirates' top draft pick Paul Skenes make the Opening Day roster in 2024, MLB Insider Jim Bowden has some bad news for you.

For fans who want to see Pittsburgh Pirates' top prospect Paul Skenes make the Opening Day roster in 2024, this news isn't great for you.

Former MLB Executive and current insider Jim Bowden was asked in a "mailbag" segment for 'The Athletic,' about Skenes's chances of making the Opening Day roster and here's what he said:

Do you think Paul Skenes has a realistic chance at making the Pirates’ Opening Day roster? They don’t have anyone better than him in the major-league rotation. Why not a baptism by fire? — Kurtis H.

I’m told the Pirates believe Skenes would benefit from more development in the minors and that he’s not ready for the majors, even though, as you point out, he’s better than everyone in their system. However, they need him to be their long-term ace, and to start his service-time clock would not be wise. Therefore, I see him being a September call-up this year and a full-time starter in 2025.

Now, the positive for Pirates' fans is two-fold:

1) If what Bowden is saying is true, they are doing right by the player in terms of developing him. Skenes was drafted only last July and putting him in the majors right away likely isn't the best for his development. Furthermore, the Pirates appear willing to try to compete, so throwing someone out there who isn't ready isn't the best for the team, either. They've already signed Martin Perez and traded for Marco Gonzales to help the rotation.

2) Bowden doesn't work for the organization right now, so if you want to see Skenes pitch in Pittsburgh as soon as possible, Bowden isn't the decision-maker, so there is a chance to see Skenes earlier.

After a legendary season at LSU that saw him win the College World Series, Skenes was selected No. 1 overall in 2023. He made five total appearances, all starts, with the Pirates' minor league teams after being drafted. He pitched in Rookie Ball, A-Ball and Double-A.

He is the No. 3 prospect in all of baseball and the following comes from a portion of his MLB.com prospect profile:

After working at 93-95 mph and touching 99 with his fastball as a sophomore, Skenes 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 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...

The Pirates finished fourth in the National League Central a season ago.

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