Paul Skenes of the Pittsburgh Pirates was the heralded fireballer who equaled the hype, to the point he started the All-Star Game just two months after making his big league debut. Luis Gil was an afterthought for the New York Yankees, earning a spot in their rotation only when ace Gerrit Cole got hurt in spring training. Skenes capped a remarkable season Monday by winning National League Rookie of the Year by a wide margin over San Diego center fielder Jackson Merrill and Milwaukee outfielder Jackson Chourio.
Gil edged Baltimore outfielder Colton Cowser to take the AL honor, with Yankees catcher Austin Wells finishing third. It's the first time the rookie awards went to two pitchers since 2011, when Tampa Bay starter Jeremy Hellickson and Atlanta closer Craig Kimbrel won. “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.
The Pirates and their fans were excited from the moment the team selected Skenes with the top pick in the 2023 amateur draft. He didn't make his major league debut until May 11 this year but the right-hander was such an immediate sensation he was selected to start the All-Star Game for the NL on July 16. The 22-year-old Skenes finished 11-3 with a 1.
96 ERA in 23 starts. He struck out 170 and walked 32 in 133 innings. He said he's looking forward to pitching a full seaso.
