Waiting for Paul Skenes to Start All: The Hype Train is Rolling

Problem: The baseball world is buzzing about Paul Skenes. He’s the 2023 No. 1 overall draft pick, the college pitcher with a 1.86 ERA and 124 strikeouts in just 86 innings, and the guy who threw a 104 mph fastball that literally broke a radar gun. But the Pittsburgh Pirates, his new team, are saying he’ll be starting in the minor leagues. This leaves fans wondering: when will this flamethrower take the MLB by storm?

Solution: While it’s tempting to rush Skenes to the big leagues, the Pirates are right to take a cautious approach. The long-term success of a young pitcher hinges on more than just raw talent. It’s about developing the right skills, building stamina, and ensuring a healthy future.

Benefits: Here’s why the Pirates’ strategy is smart, and why it’s worth the wait:

The Data Backs it Up

Let’s look at the numbers. A 2019 study by The Athletic found that pitchers who reached the majors before age 22 were statistically less likely to have a long and successful career. It’s not just about age, but about a pitcher’s development trajectory.

Think about it: Skenes dominated college baseball, but the jump to the MLB is massive. He’ll be facing hitters who can adjust to his pitches, who are bigger and stronger, and who are playing for a living. It’s a different beast altogether.

Case Study: Spencer Strider

The Atlanta Braves’ Spencer Strider is a shining example of a young pitcher who benefited from a strategic minor league development plan. He was drafted in 2020 and spent two seasons in the minors before making his MLB debut in 2021. In those two seasons, he worked on refining his arsenal, building his stamina, and gaining valuable experience.

In 2022, Strider exploded onto the scene. He finished with a 11-5 record, a 2.67 ERA, and 202 strikeouts in 131.2 innings. His success wasn’t an overnight sensation, it was the culmination of a well-structured development plan.

Building for the Future

While fans are eager to see Skenes in a Pirates uniform, the organization is focused on building a sustainable foundation for success. By starting him in the minors, they’re ensuring he:

• Develops his pitching repertoire: He’ll work with coaches to refine his slider, changeup, and curveball. The MLB game is about more than just a fastball, it’s about deception and variety.

• Increases his stamina: Skenes needs to be able to pitch deep into games without tiring. The minor leagues allow him to gradually increase his workload and build the endurance needed for a long season.

• Gain valuable experience: He’ll face different hitters, adjust to different stadiums, and learn how to handle the pressure of professional baseball. These are skills that can’t be learned in the classroom, only in the crucible of competition.

A Patience Game

The Pirates’ cautious approach is a testament to their commitment to long-term success. It’s about building a team, not just throwing a hot prospect on the field.

Waiting for Paul Skenes to start all is a patience game, but it’s a game that will pay off. The Pirates understand the value of a well-developed pitcher, and they’re playing the long game. They’re not just chasing wins in the short term, they’re building a dynasty.

This isn’t just about Skenes, it’s about the future of Pirates baseball. And when he eventually takes the mound in Pittsburgh, it will be a spectacle worth waiting for.

Keywords:

• Paul Skenes

• Pittsburgh Pirates

• MLB

• Pitching Development

• Minor League Baseball

• Spencer Strider

• Atlanta Braves

• Dynasty

• Patience

• Baseball

• 2023 MLB Draft

• No. 1 Overall Pick

• Fastball

• ERA

• Strikeouts

Sentiment:

• Excited

• Optimistic

• Respectful

• Understanding

• Analytical

Target Audience:

• Baseball fans

• Pittsburgh Pirates fans

• Sports analysts

• Anyone interested in pitching development