"Paul Skenes put up a historic season" – Ex-Yankees coach tips Pirates ace to edge Jackson Merrill for NL ROY
Former NY Yankees coach Sean Casey backed Pittsburgh Pirates' Paul Skenes to win the NL Rookie of the Year award over San Diego Padres outfielder Jackson Merrill.
Both youngsters put up impressive seasons in the MLB this year, which has resulted in a two-horse race for the award in the NL.
Speaking on his podcast "The Mayor's Office," Casey said (13:48):
"When you look back at the season, there was a time where you thought Jackson Merrill, but then Skenes just kept dominating. Paul Skenes put up a historic season."
Paul Skenes was the first overall selection by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 2023 MLB Draft and after dominating the minors for a year, he was promoted to the majors.
In his rookie season, the 22-year-old finished with a 1.96 ERA, 170 strikeouts and a 11-3 record over 23 starts. That marks one of the best rookie seasons from a starting pitcher and makes him a favorite for the Rookie of the Year award.
On the other hand, Jackson Merrill also had an impressive rookie season in the majors with the Padres. He was selected in the 2021 MLB Draft and added to the Opening Day roster this year. While also impressing as a centre fielder, Merrill batted an average of .292 with 90 RBI and 24 home runs. While single-handedly carrying the team at time, he was a huge reason behind their run in the playoffs.
The NL Rookie of the Year award will be announced on November 18 and the two-horse race will likely go down to the wire.
Pirates ace Paul Skenes becomes the first rookie to be finalist for the Cy Young award since 2013
Apart from being a finalist for the NL Rookie of the Year award, Paul Skenes is also a finalist for the NL Cy Young award. The last time a rookie managed this feat was Jose Fernandez for the Miami Marlins in 2013.
The Pittsburgh Pirates ace captured the attention of MLB fans across the country with his dominant performances in the majors this year. While there is no doubt of his accomplishment this year, it remains to be seen how much of that will be recognized in the form of awards.