"Quiet, cocky swagger" - Pete Crow-Armstrong unsure if Paul Skenes is top three pitcher despite liking his attitude
It's been a year to remember for Pittsburgh Pirates rookie sensation Paul Skenes. Despite only being only 22-year-old, the first overall selection in the 2023 MLB Draft has been turning heads since his debut. It's not only his incredible pitching velocity that has wowed fans across the league, but his elite variety has helped him rack up strikeout after strikeout.
It's not only fans who have been impressed by what they have seen from Paul Skenes but also his MLB peers. One such player is Pete Crow-Armstrong of the Chicago Cubs. In an episode of the Chris Rose Rotation, Crow-Armstrong was asked about the Pirates phenom and where he ranks among the league's best.
"He's up there for sure but I don't know if I'd put him in the top 3 [7:30]," Pete Crow-Armstrong said of the rookie superstar.
Although PCA was uncertain if Skenes ranks inside the top three pitchers in the MLB, he was sure to mention his name alongside some of the biggest stars. Some of the names that Crow-Armstrong mentioned alongside Skenes were bona fide superstars such as Justin Verlander, Zack Wheeler, and Gerrit Cole.
"His stuff is real and his presence on the mound is very real, ... I like his attitude up there. It's to watch him sometimes up there with that quiet, cocky swagger that he's got in a way [7:46]," Crow-Armstrong continued about the Pirates ace.
Even though he was unsure where Paul Skenes ranks among the league's best pitchers, the Chicago Cubs outfielder explained that the rookie has an intense presence while on the mound. This is clear as the 22-year-old has quickly become must-watch television thanks to his abilities on the mound. Given what we have already seen from him, it may not be long before he is a lock for the top 3.
"Nothing seems to phase him and I just appreciate the way that he steps on the mound [8:15]," the Cubs outfielder added.
Paul Skenes remains in a tight race for the National League Rookie of the Year Award
It has truly been a special debut season for Paul Skenes, who has not only been electric on the mound but has received recognition for his efforts. The Pirates ace was not only selected to the All-Star Game but was also named the National League's starter by Arizona Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo.
Despite his impressive 10-2 record with a 2.10 ERA and 151 strikeouts over 120.0 innings of work, it appears that he is far from a guarantee to bring home to the NL Rookie of the Year Award. His top competition for the award is Jackson Merrill of the San Diego Padres, who also happened to be named to the All-Star team as well. The Rookie of the Year Award race might come down to the end of the year.