The Pittsburgh Pirates haven’t made the playoffs since 2015 and completed with their sixth straight dropping season in 2024 with a report of 76-86.
Though latest historical past hasn’t been variety to the group, they lastly have hope for the longer term as rookie beginning pitcher Paul Skenes made his debut in 2024.
Skenes took the league by storm and ended up successful NL Rookie of the 12 months and ending within the prime three within the NL Cy Younger Award voting.
Pirates second basemen Nick Gonzales just lately revealed his sincere ideas on Skenes following his rookie season.
“He’s a workhorse, he does what he needs to do every single day,” Gonzales stated, by way of MLB Community Radio on SirisuXM.
“Sometimes [opponents] just can’t hit the ball.”
Paul Skenes turned solely the fifth rookie to complete within the Prime 3 for Cy Younger. @Pirates | #LetsGoBucs
🔗 https://t.co/fGPbvbjGlC pic.twitter.com/pYEPPo84Q8— MLB Community Radio on SiriusXM (@MLBNetworkRadio) November 26, 2024
The Pirates switched to the NL Central from the NL East in 1994, they usually have by no means gained a division title because the realignment.
Skenes offers the Pirates their greatest shot in a very long time of doing so and likewise breaking the streak of 9 straight seasons lacking the postseason.
In his rookie marketing campaign, Skenes began 23 video games and posted a report of 11-3 with a 1.96 ERA and 170 strikeouts in 133.0 innings pitched.
He was so spectacular from the get-go that he was chosen to start out the All-Star Recreation for the Nationwide League.
Skenes is just 22 years outdated, and Gonzales mentions how he has a veteran mentality along with his preparation and demeanor on the mound.
The Pirates will look to make some strikes this offseason to construct round Skenes in hopes of contending for his or her sixth World Collection title in franchise historical past.
NEXT:
Paul Skenes Joins Unique Membership With Rookie Of The 12 months Award
