Pirates Rookie Phenom Paul Skenes Wins Prestigious MLB Award

PITTSBURGH, PA — Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes, who rocketed to fame almost immediately after his major league debut in May, was named National League Rookie of the Year Monday night. He received 23 of the 30 first place votes to clinch the honor.

Skenes, who debuted less than a year after being selected with the No. 1 pick in the 2023 draft, is the second player to win the award. The other was outfielder Jason Bay in 2004.

Skenes, 23, went 11-3 with a 1.96 ERA, 170, strikeouts and a .198 batting average against in 23 starts for the team. He also was the National League's starting pitcher in the All Star Game.

“Today is a very exciting day for Paul, the Pittsburgh Pirates, and for me,” Pirates owner Bob Nutting said in a release.

“While expectations for Paul were certainly high, he exceeded what most thought was possible during his first Major League season. He brought tremendous competitiveness and talent to our pitching staff. We’re extremely proud of all that Paul has accomplished during his historic rookie season. I look forward to the great future ahead for him and our organization.”

Skenes' award earns him a full year of service time even though he was not called up to the majors until May. The means Skenes will be eligible for free agency after the 2029 season.