Pirates’ Skenes named NL Rookie of the Year
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From Mirror, wire reports
Hard-throwing Pittsburgh Pirates ace Paul Skenes beat out San Diego Padres outfielder Jackson Merrill and Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Jackson Chourio for the National League Rookie of the Year Award on Monday.
Skenes didn't make his big league debut until May 11 but the right-hander was such an immediate sensation that he was selected to start the All-Star Game for the NL on July 16.
The 22-year-old, the first overall pick in the 2023 amateur draft, finished 11-3 with a 1.96 ERA in 23 starts. He struck out 170 and walked 32 in 133 innings.
He received 23 first-place votes for 136 points while Merrill had seven firsts and 104 points. They were named on all ballots. Chourio had 26 points
Skenes is the second player in Pirates history to take home BBWAA Rookie of the Year honors along with Jason Bay in 2004.
"Today is a very exciting day for Paul, the Pittsburgh Pirates, and for me," Pirates Chairman Bob Nutting said. "While expectations for Paul were certainly high, he exceeded what most thought was possible during his first Major League season. He brought tremendous competitiveness and talent to our pitching staff. We're extremely proud of all that Paul has accomplished during his historic rookie season. I look forward to the great future ahead for him and our organization."
Skenes ranked first among all qualified National League rookies in ERA, batting average against and WHIP, tied for second in wins, and second in strikeouts and winning percentage (.786).
Skenes, who was also named Baseball America's National League Rookie of the Year on September 30, became the first rookie pitcher to make at least 23 starts and post a sub-2.00 ERA in a single season since Scott Perry with the Philadelphia Athletics in 1918.
"I was super pleased with what happened this year in terms of going out there and competing, but there's more work to be done for sure," said Skenes, who planned to celebrate with his girlfriend, LSU gymnast and influencer Livvy Dunne.
Skenes said he's looking forward to pitching a full season next year.
"I think it starts now. The postseason is flying by and I can't wait for spring training to start already," he said. "I think the biggest thing is going to be proving it over a full season next year also. If nothing else it's going to be a challenge and an opportunity to prove it again next year."
Skenes also is a finalist for the NL Cy Young Award, and he is the 24th pitcher to win the rookie award.
Merrill, 21, came on strong during the second half, igniting a debate whether an everyday player deserved the award more than a starting pitcher.
Merrill was converted from shortstop to center field during spring training, when the Padres had only two outfielders on their roster.
Merrill was picked for the All-Star team and helped the Padres reach the playoffs, where they swept Atlanta in the Wild Card Series and then lost in the Division Series to the eventual World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers.
Chourio was a 20-20 player at age 20.
The BBWAA Awards dinner will take place in New York City on Saturday, Jan. 25.