Paul David Skenes was born on May 29, 2002, in Fullerton, California. He grew up in Lake Forest, California, where he attended El Toro High School, known for producing major leaguers like Nolan Arenado and Matt Chapman. Skenes excelled as a three-year varsity baseball player, playing as a catcher, first baseman, third baseman, and pitcher. During his junior year, he committed to the United States Air Force Academy, posting an impressive 0.67 earned run average (ERA) and earning accolades on various all-star teams.
Skenes initially played college baseball for the Air Force Falcons, where he was named Mountain West Conference Freshman of the Year in 2021 and won the John Olerud Award in 2022 for being the nation's best two-way player. After two seasons, he transferred to Louisiana State University (LSU) for his junior year, where he quickly made a name for himself. In 2023, Skenes went 13-2, achieving a 1.69 ERA, and led the NCAA with 209 strikeouts, breaking Ben McDonald's SEC and LSU record. His performance earned him Southeastern Conference Pitcher of the Year, National Pitcher of the Year, and the Dick Howser Trophy. Skenes played a pivotal role in LSU's 2023 Men's College World Series championship, earning the tournament's Most Outstanding Player award.
Following his stellar college career, Skenes was selected by the Pittsburgh Pirates with the first overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft, signing a record-breaking $9.2 million signing bonus. He made his professional debut in the Florida Complex League in August 2023 before moving up to the majors in May 2024. In his MLB debut against the Chicago Cubs at PNC Park, he showcased his potential by throwing 17 fastballs at or above 100 mph. His second start was even more remarkable, throwing six no-hit innings against the Cubs at Wrigley Field, striking out eleven, including the first seven batters.
Throughout his rookie season in 2024, Skenes continued to impress, finishing with a 11-3 record, a 1.96 ERA, 170 strikeouts, and a 0.95 WHIP over 133 innings in 23 starts. This performance led to his selection for the 2024 MLB All-Star Game, where he became the starting pitcher for the National League as a rookie, a rare honor. Skenes' combination of high-velocity pitching, a deceptive "splinker" pitch, and his competitive drive has marked him as one of baseball's most promising young stars, drawing comparisons to legendary pitchers like Stephen Strasburg.