Height
6'6"
Weight
260 lbs
Age
23
College
LSU
Draft
2023, Rd 1, #1
Experience
2 yrs
Bats/Throws
R/R
Fan Verdict
Grade this player:
Career StatsA+
| Year | Team | GP | ERA | W-L | K | WHIP | IP | SV |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Career |  | 58 | 2.0831664 | 23-14 | 398 | 0.95891786 | 0.0 | 0 |
Current Contract
Length
1 year
Total Value
$1.1M
Guaranteed
$651K
AAV
$1.1M/yr
Contract Value Index (CVI)
Paul Skenes' one-year, $1.1M deal with the Pirates earns an A CVI grade, representing exceptional value for an elite starting pitcher still in his pre-arbitration years. The reigning NL Rookie of the Year brings ace-level stuff with his triple-digit fastball and devastating slider, projecting as a frontline starter capable of 4+ WAR seasons when healthy. At this salary, Pittsburgh is essentially getting elite production at replacement-level cost, a luxury that's virtually impossible to replicate in free agency where comparable starters command $25-30M annually. The Pirates' competitive window aligns perfectly with Skenes' cost-controlled years, giving them a legitimate cornerstone to build around while their promising farm system continues developing. This deal exemplifies why elite rookie pitchers provide unmatched franchise value — Skenes gives Pittsburgh legitimate playoff upside without hampering their payroll flexibility. The only risk lies in workload management for a pitcher who threw just 133 innings in 2024, but at this price point, even moderate injury concerns don't diminish the contract's exceptional value proposition.
Performance Analysis
Paul Skenes grades as an elite performer among MLB starting pitchers, earning a A+ Performance grade. He carries a 1.96 ERA (well below the league average of 4.20, placing him among the best in baseball) and a 0.95 WHIP across 320.2 innings pitched with a 10.8 K/9 rate. His 21-13 record provides context on team support and run prevention. His strikeout rate of 10.8 per nine innings ranks among the best in the league, showing dominant swing-and-miss ability. As a sophomore at 23, Paul is a key contributor for the Pirates.
Recent Games
| Date | OPP | Result | AB | H | R | HR | RBI | BB | SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tue, 4/7 | vs SD | W 7-1 | - | - | - | 0 | - | - | - |
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