Perspective | Baseball Needs More Paul Skenes, In Every Start and In Years To Come

Baseball, a sport steeped in tradition, is often slow to embrace change. But in the face of dwindling viewership and a growing emphasis on offense, it’s time for a paradigm shift. The answer? More Paul Skenes.

Forget the subtle changes, the tinkering around the edges. We need a revolution in pitching, one fueled by dominant arms like Skenes. And not just for one game, but for every game and for years to come.

Now, let’s be clear. We’re not talking about just any pitcher. Skenes isn’t your typical prospect. He’s a force of nature with a 100+ mph fastball and a devastating slider that has hitters looking like they’re playing a game of whack-a-mole.

But what makes him so special?

1. The Numbers Don’t Lie:

• In his final year at LSU, Skenes posted an unreal ERA of 1.69, striking out an absurd 208 batters in 123.2 innings pitched.

• His whip (walks and hits per innings pitched) was a paltry 0.77 – a testament to his control and command.

• And, he’s not just a one-trick pony. His secondary pitches – the slider, the curveball, and the changeup – are all above-average, making him a true three-pitch pitcher.

2. The Impact on the Game:

• Skenes’ dominance has a tangible impact on the game. It injects excitement into every start, turning potential snoozefests into must-watch affairs.

• He elevates the level of competition, forcing hitters to be at their absolute best just to get a hit.

• And, most importantly, he brings fans back to the ballpark, reminding them why they fell in love with baseball in the first place.

But it’s not just about Skenes. His impact goes beyond individual performance. He represents a shift in the landscape of pitching.

The Rise of the Elite Pitcher:

• The days of the 5-inning, 100-pitch starter are slowly fading. Teams are realizing that dominant pitching is the key to winning, and they’re willing to invest in arms like Skenes.

• This focus on elite pitching is creating a new breed of pitchers, with the skills and mental toughness to dominate for years to come.

• We’re seeing more velocity, more deception, and more strategic pitching. This is the evolution of baseball, and it’s only just beginning.

The Case Study: The 2023 World Series

The 2023 World Series was a microcosm of this new era of pitching. Both the Phillies and the Astros relied heavily on their starting rotations. The Phillies, with Aaron Nola and Zack Wheeler leading the way, were able to keep their bats in the game and ultimately win the championship.

This success is no coincidence. The data is clear: Teams with dominant pitching are more likely to win games and championships.

The Future of Baseball:

The future of baseball belongs to pitchers like Paul Skenes. Teams need to embrace this shift, investing in elite pitching and creating a culture where dominance is celebrated.

• We need more pitching prospects like Skenes coming up through the ranks.

• We need more focus on developing pitching skills at every level of the game.

• We need to embrace the new era of baseball, where pitching takes center stage.

The Bottom Line:

Baseball needs more Paul Skenes. We need dominant pitchers who can elevate the game, excite the fans, and win championships. It’s not just about individual talent; it’s about a paradigm shift in how we view and value pitching.

Let’s not be afraid of change. Let’s embrace the future of baseball, where the Skenes of the world take center stage and dominate the game.