Paul Skenes, the young ace of the Pittsburgh Pirates, has made a significant impact in Major League Baseball (MLB). According to a recent ranking by MLB.com, Skenes is now ranked as the fourth-best starting pitcher in the league. This achievement comes after an impressive rookie season where he quickly established himself as one of the game's top talents. The 22-year-old pitcher, drafted first overall from LSU in 2023, was called up to Pittsburgh in May and went on to achieve remarkable success. With a stellar record and numerous accolades, Skenes is poised to have an even more impactful second year in the league.

In his debut season, Skenes demonstrated exceptional skill and poise on the mound. After joining the Pirates midway through the year, he played in 23 games, securing 11 wins against just three losses. His earned run average (ERA) stood at an impressive 1.96, and he struck out 170 batters over 133 innings pitched. These outstanding performances led to several recognitions, including being named the starting pitcher for the National League in the 2024 All-Star Game. Additionally, Skenes earned multiple Rookie of the Year awards from various organizations, cementing his status as one of the brightest new stars in baseball.

Skenes' rapid rise has not gone unnoticed. He finished third in voting for the prestigious National League Cy Young Award, highlighting his potential to compete with the best pitchers in the sport. Among those ahead of him on the top 10 list are Zack Wheeler of the Philadelphia Phillies, Tarik Skubal of the Detroit Tigers, and Chris Sale of the Atlanta Braves. Behind Skenes are notable names such as Blake Snell of the Los Angeles Dodgers, Corbin Burnes of the Arizona Diamondbacks, Cole Ragans of the Kansas City Royals, Gerrit Cole of the New York Yankees, Logan Webb of the San Francisco Giants, and Framber Valdez of the Houston Astros.

The upcoming season promises to be another milestone for Skenes as he enters his first full year with the Pirates. Fans and analysts alike eagerly anticipate how this young talent will continue to develop and contribute to his team's success. With his remarkable achievements already under his belt, there is little doubt that Skenes will remain a key figure in the world of professional baseball for years to come.