Paul Skenes 2024 Player Outlook: New Top Pitching Prospect Could Break Camp With Pirates
3 months agoPittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher prospect Paul Skenes is the new top prospect for pitchers by MLB.com. After going first overall in the 2023 draft, there were talks of Skenes making a push for the majors last season. That never came to pass, however, and the big righty will now look to leave Spring Training as a member of the Pirates' 26-man roster. The 6'6" flamethrower has an 80-rated fastball, a slider that comes in rated at 70, and good enough control to use those weapons against any hitter. Skenes is a dynasty darling and should be drafted in most redraft leagues as well. If your draft occurs before word comes out where Skenes will start the season, he is worth the stash. He currently has a 266.7 ADP but that can jump up quickly if the Pirates announce him making the club. Skenes may use the spring to work on a third pitch, his changeup, so don't be discouraged if he has a rough start. He is head and shoulders above other minor league pitchers at this point and can help fantasy managers as soon as he takes the hill in the majors.