The Pirates have been out of the spotlight for good reason in recent years, but their rookie phenom pitcher Paul Skenes could turn that around.
Although the Pirates finished with a record of 76 wins and 86 losses and missed the postseason for the ninth consecutive year, a member of their team was selected to start the National League All-Star Game.
Skenes had an incredible rookie season with the Pirates and was named the National League Rookie of the Year.
Skenes joined an exclusive club by becoming the fifth number one overall pick to win the Rookie of the Year award, according to MLB’s “X.”
They were chosen first for a reason 😤
Paul Skenes joins exclusive club as fifth No. 1 pick to win Rookie of the Year 👏 pic.twitter.com/9Z5ukA8fNl
— MLB (@MLB) November 19, 2024
Skenes’ rookie season consisted of 23 starts with a record of 11 wins and three losses with a 1.96 ERA and 170 strikeouts in 133.0 innings.
Skenes not only won the Rookie of the Year award, but he is also a finalist for the National League Cy Young Award.
Skanes joined four other big names as the number one overall draft pick to win the ROTY award, including Carlos Correa, Bryce Harper, Darryl Strawberry and Bob Horner.
The Pirates haven’t had great teams lately, but the arrival of Skenes gives them a true number one pitcher to start and build around for the future.
With the offseason filled with big-name free agents, the Pirates will have a chance to add some offensive weapons to their roster before the 2025 season.
The Pirates will be looking to win their first division title since 1992, when they still resided in the National League East.
NEXT:
Analyst reveals what the Pirates need to add this offseason
