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Who is Paul Skenes? What to know about Pirates' former No. 1 pick

jack mckessy, usa today
·3-min read

MLB's top two prospects (according to MLB Pipeline) have already made their MLB debuts this year. On Saturday, the No. 3 prospect will finally make his debut at home in front of tens of thousands of Pittsburgh Pirates faithful.

Paul Skenes, the Pirates' No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft, will start in his long-awaited MLB debut against the Chicago Cubs at PNC Park this weekend. The game is shaping up to be the most anticipated debut by a pitching prospect since Stephen Strasburg made his – coincidentally, against the Pirates – nearly 14 years ago.

Entering their series with the Cubs, Pittsburgh ranks 11th in the majors with a 3.70 ERA from its pitching staff and 15th in MLB with 321 combined strikeouts. The Pirates are also 10th in the big leagues (and fourth in the National League) with their .231 batting average against.

Here's everything to know about Skenes ahead of his debut.

Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes (left) is introduced at a press conference by Pirates General Manager Ben Cherington (right) before the Pirates play the Cleveland Guardians at PNC Park on Tuesday.
Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes (left) is introduced at a press conference by Pirates General Manager Ben Cherington (right) before the Pirates play the Cleveland Guardians at PNC Park on Tuesday.

PAUL SKENES: MLB's most hyped pitching prospect makes Pirates debut Saturday in Pittsburgh

Where is Paul Skenes from?

Skenes grew up in Lake Forest, California and went to El Toro High School, the same high school as current MLB players Nolan Arenado and Matt Chapman.

Where did Paul Skenes go to college?

Skenes began his collegiate career at Air Force before transferring to LSU after his sophomore season.

While at LSU in 2023, the California native set a new SEC record with 209 strikeouts in a single season, breaking fellow LSU alum and former MLB pitcher Ben McDonald's 34-year-old record.

Skenes went on to win the National Pitcher of the Year Award and helped lead the Tigers to a College World Series title. He was named last year's College World Series Most Outstanding Player after making two starts and allowing two runs on seven hits with 21 strikeouts and two walks.

When was Paul Skenes drafted?

Skenes was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft.

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Paul Skenes height and weight

According to Skenes' player page on MLB.com, he is 6 feet 6 inches tall and weighs 235 pounds.

Paul Skenes 2024 stats

Skenes began this season with the Pirates' Triple-A affiliate Indianapolis Indians. In 27 1/3 innings, he tallied 45 strikeouts, eight walks and 17 hits allowed to the tune of a 0.99 ERA.

Paul Skenes fastball velocity

Skenes' fastball velocity ranges from 97-101 mph with an average of 99.9 mph.

The right-hander also throws a slider, a "splinker" (splitter/sinker), a changeup and a curveball.

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Who is Paul Skenes' girlfriend?

Skenes is currently dating LSU gymnast and social media influencer Olivia "Livvy" Dunne.

When is Paul Skenes' debut?

  • Date: Saturday, May 11

  • Time: 4:05 p.m. ET

  • Location: PNC Park, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

  • Opponent: Chicago Cubs

  • Cable TV: AT&T SportsNet Pittsburgh (Pittsburgh area); Marquee Sports Network (Chicago area)

  • Streaming: MLB.tv; YouTube TV; fuboTV

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Paul Skenes: College, stats, velocity and more to know before MLB debut