Paul Skenes Finally Receives the call to Pittsburgh

The Pirates first-round pick in the 2023 MLB Draft has finally gotten the call to join the big-league team. Paul Skenes is scheduled to pitch against the Chicago Cubs on Saturday afternoon at PNC Park. Let’s take a look at how Skenes has done this season and who might be the corresponding move.

Skenes has been one of the most electric arms in all of baseball for the last two years. He led the LSU Tigers to a College World Series Championship and then got drafted first overall by the Pirates. He did not pitch much in 2023 in the Pirates organization, but he has been extremely impressive this season. In seven appearances, Skenes has an earned run average of 0.99 in 27.1 innings pitched and has struck out 45 batters. He also has a WHIP of 0.91 and an opponent batting average of .175.

These numbers are extremely impressive and will improve the Pirates' rotation. The rotation is already ranked very highly in the National League this season. Despite being very dominant, the Pirates' rotation does have some outliers.

Quinn Priester is a guy who is likely to be the corresponding move. He has looked better this year than he has in the past, but he is the only starting pitcher with minor-league options. In four starts, Priester has an 0-3 record with an earned run average of 3.86 in 21 innings pitched and has struck out 12 batters. He also has a WHIP of 1.43 and an opponent batting average of .253. 

Another arm who might go is Bailey Falter. Falter has been decent this season, which is a big surprise after his poor Spring Training. Through seven appearances, Falter has a 2-2 record with an earned run average of 4.34 in 37.1 innings pitched and has struck out 26 batters. He also has a WHIP of 1.02 and an opposing batting average of .215. The only problem with getting rid of Falter is that he must be designated for assignment. He could be claimed by any team if the Pirates did designate him, but if he didn’t then he would return to the Pirates triple-a affiliate, Indianapolis.

No matter the corresponding move, Paul Skenes is going to make the Pirates better. The smart move would be to option Priester because he has a minor league option remaining. Make plans Saturday afternoon for Skenes’ debut in Pittsburgh!