Paul Skenes: From Air Force Falcon to MLB Phenom

Paul David Skenes, born on May 29, 2002, is an American professional baseball pitcher currently playing for the Pittsburgh Pirates of Major League Baseball (MLB). He rapidly ascended from a relatively unknown Division I catcher to one of baseball's most promising pitching prospects. Skenes' journey is a testament to his dedication, athleticism, and unique path through college baseball.

Early Life and High School Career

Paul Skenes was born in Fullerton, California, to Craig, who works in the pharmaceuticals industry, and Karen, a homemaker and former high school teacher. He grew up in Lake Forest, California, and attended El Toro High School, the alma mater of major leaguers Nolan Arenado and Matt Chapman. At El Toro High School, Skenes played three years of varsity baseball, showcasing his versatility as a two-way player. He played catcher, first base, and third base in addition to pitching.

During his junior year in September 2018, Skenes committed to attend the United States Air Force Academy and play college baseball for the Air Force Falcons. In his junior season, he posted a 0.67 earned run average (ERA). He earned all-star team selections for the Coast View Athletic Association, Orange County, the CIF Southern Section, and the state of California. During his senior year, Skenes was named team captain and recorded a 0.33 ERA, hitting three home runs before the season was abruptly canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the shortened season, he was named to the all-county first team.

College Career at Air Force

Skenes initially attended the United States Air Force Academy, balancing his baseball career with the rigorous demands of military training and academics. Despite being too tall for his Air Force bed, Skenes quickly adapted to the demanding lifestyle. Cadets were required to wear masks at all times, and Skenes quietly went about his business. He connected with another cadet, Aerik Joe, and they started making plans to live together when boot camp was over.

During his time at the Air Force Academy, Skenes showcased his exceptional talent as a two-way player, excelling as both a catcher and a pitcher. He studied biochemistry and started every baseball game as a freshman, with a 3.0 GPA while tutoring other freshmen in math and science courses, with team bests of 11 home runs, .410 BA, 43 RBIs, 131 total bases and 11 saves.

A Unique Role

Skenes' role on the team was unconventional. He caught eight innings and then warmed up in the bullpen to close out the game. This arrangement befuddled opposing teams. In his very first college pitching outing against LSU, Skenes entered the game with a 6-4 lead. Despite allowing a home run to Dylan Crews, Skenes secured the win, showcasing his potential as a dominant pitcher.

In 2022, Skenes won the John Olerud Award, given annually to the best two-way player in college baseball. He was also named a First-Team All-American.

Transfer to LSU

Ahead of his junior season, Skenes transferred to LSU, seeking to further develop his baseball career in a more traditional baseball environment. Skenes transferred to LSU in the summer of 2022 after two seasons at the United States Air Force Academy and helped lead the Tigers to the 2023 College World Series title. Skenes was projected to be either the No. 1 or No. 2 overall selection in the 2023 MLB Draft.

Dominance on the Mound

At LSU, Skenes focused primarily on pitching, transforming into one of the most dominant pitchers in college baseball history. In 2023, he recorded one of the most dominating seasons in college baseball history, recording 209 strikeouts to set the SEC single-season record previously set by Ben McDonald of LSU in 1989. Skenes was 13-2 in 2023 with a 1.69 ERA in 122.2 innings.

Skenes finished No. 1 in the nation in strikeouts (209), No. 1 in strikeouts per nine innings (15.33) and No. 1 in WHIP (0.75), and he finished No. 2 in the nation in ERA (1.69), No. 3 in strikeout-to-walk ratio (10.45), and No. Skenes finished No. 1 in the SEC in wins (13), strikeouts (209), opp. batting avg.

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He earned several accolades, including Southeastern Conference and national pitcher of the year honors, as well as the Dick Howser Trophy. Skenes became just the second LSU player to win the Howser Trophy (1B Eddy Furniss, 1998). He fired a complete-game victory over Tulane in the opening game of NCAA Baton Rouge Regional, allowing two runs on seven hits in 9.0 innings with no walks and 12 strikeouts while throwing a season-high 124 pitches. The outing marked LSU’s first nine-inning complete game since April 23, 2021, when AJ Labas defeated Ole Miss in Oxford, Miss.

Skenes earned Collegiate Baseball National Player of the Week recognition on April 3 after he helped lead LSU to a series-opening win over No. He received Collegiate Baseball National Player of the Week recognition on March 20 after he defeated No. He defeated Kansas State on Feb. Skenes Named SEC Pitcher of the Week and Collegiate Baseball National Player of the Week on Feb. 20 as he worked six shutout frames on Feb.

MLB Draft and Professional Career

Skenes entered the 2023 MLB draft as one of its most anticipated prospects and considered by some as the best pitching prospect since Stephen Strasburg. The Pittsburgh Pirates selected Skenes with the first overall selection of the 2023 Major League Baseball draft. He and Dylan Crews became the first college teammates in MLB draft history to be selected with the first two overall picks. Skenes was the second player in LSU history to be selected first overall in the draft, joining Ben McDonald. He signed with the Pirates for a $9.2 million bonus.

Rapid Ascent to the Majors

After signing, Skenes quickly progressed through the Pirates' minor league system, showcasing his exceptional talent and potential. The Pittsburgh Pirates selected Skenes with the first overall selection of the 2023 Major League Baseball draft. He and Dylan Crews became the first college teammates in MLB draft history to be selected with the first two overall picks.

Skenes delivered an impressive showcase in his pro debut. Skenes opened the season in Indy.

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MLB Debut and Early Success

Skenes made his MLB debut in 2024 and quickly established himself as a dominant force on the mound. On July 7, 2024, he was selected to the 2024 Major League Baseball All-Star Game, becoming the first No. On September 9 against the Miami Marlins, Skenes struck out Connor Norby in the top of the first inning to record his 143rd strikeout, the new Pittsburgh Pirates franchise record for strikeouts in a single season by a rookie. Skenes ended his rookie season with a 1.96 ERA, 0.95 WHIP, 170 strikeouts, 32 walks, and an 11-3 record in 23 starts.

After the season, Skenes was named NL Rookie of the Year and finished third for the Cy Young Award losing to Chris Sale of the Atlanta Braves. On March 27, 2025, Skenes was the Opening Day starting pitcher for the 2025 Pirates. Facing the Miami Marlins at LoanDepot Park, he pitched five1⁄3 innings, giving up two hits and walking two while striking out seven. On July 6, Skenes was named to the 2025 All-Star Game roster, his second consecutive NL All-Star selection. On July 12, National League team manager Dave Roberts named Skenes the starting pitcher for the National League for the game, his second consecutive year to receive the selection. Skenes threw a scoreless inning in the All-Star game, striking out Gleyber Torres and Riley Greene and retiring Aaron Judge with a groundout. Skenes was named as National League Pitcher of the Month for July after posting a 3-2 record, 0.67 ERA, allowing 21 hits and two earned runs, striking out 36 batters, and walked three in 27 innings. It was the first time he earned Pitcher of the Month in his career. Skenes' 50 start on August 24 against the Colorado Rockies and he lowered his career ERA to 2.02. Since the start of the Live Ball Era in 1920, the only pitcher to have a lower ERA over their first 50 starts is Vida Blue, who recorded a 2.01 ERA from 1969-1972. On September 10, Skenes pitched five innings, giving us two hits and striking out eight batters against Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. With those eight Ks, Skenes recorded his first 200-strikeout season. He became the 8th Pirates pitcher in franchise history to strike out 200 batters in a season, joining Ed Morris, Bob Veale, Óliver Pérez, Mitch Keller, A.J.

Personal Life

Skenes is in a relationship with former LSU gymnast and social media influencer Livvy Dunne.

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