Pittsburgh Pirates right-hander Paul Skenes represents the future of the organization.
That much is well-known in all circles since the team took him with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft.
However, he has been so good in spring training that you could make a case he can also provide solutions for the Pirates’ rotation right now.
The tall right-hander continues to amaze in early spring action, and tossed two more solid innings on Monday.
He conceded just one run in the two innings, with three punchouts.
“Paul Skenes strikes out three in two Spring Training frames for the @Pirates,” MLB Pipeline tweeted.
Paul Skenes strikes out three in two Spring Training frames for the @Pirates. pic.twitter.com/On8zWbYDWt
— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) March 4, 2024
Armed with top-notch velocity on his fastball, Skenes is capable of surpassing triple-digits on the radar gun.
In fact, he has reached as high as 102 mph with his pitches in spring training.
The 2023 campaign didn’t bring too many minor league innings for him, as the Pirates were taking it easy on him.
Last year, he pitched 6.2 innings across three levels, with a 5.40 ERA and 10 strikeouts.
He did, however, strike out 209 hitters in just 122.2 innings with LSU, with a brilliant 1.69 ERA.
The Pirates could have taken Dylan Crews or Wyatt Langford, but they needed elite pitching and took Skenes with the first pick.
If he keeps pitching like this, they surely won’t regret it.
There is a good chance we see him in the majors at some point in 2024, and the odds of him making the team out of camp are not zero.
NEXT: Top Pirates Prospect Hit An Elite Mark In Spring Debut