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Pittsburg Pirates rookie Paul Skenes has captured the imagination of fans since his MLB debut this season. The Pirates flamethrower is in the reckoning for the NL Rookie of the Year title after an impressive start to his MLB career.
Skenes added another feather to his cap during Tuesday's game after breaking the record for most strikeouts in a season by a Pirates rookie. However, former player turned analyst Harold Reynolds potentially drew a comparison with Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani, highlighting Skenes' two-way ability in college:
"He was Shohei [Ohtani] in college but decided to pitch," Reynolds said ahead of the 2024 All-Star Game.
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MLB fans reacted to Reynolds' quote shared by Topps' Instagram handle.
Fans reflected on Skenes' impressive numbers as a hitter during his two seasons of college baseball for Air Force and the LSU Tigers:
"Bro had 24 homers and over a 350 average. I think it’s safe to say he could probably hit for the pirates."
"Let him hit," urged a fan.
"At a Shohei Ohtani level, no. At a Madison Bumgarner level, sure why not," wrote another fan.
"Let him DH here and there. Let's see what happens. Would love to see another 2-way player in the league," urged another fan.
"He definitely can do it and should!" wrote a fan.
Paul Skenes had an outstanding 2023, helping LSU to the College World Series title while racking prestigious accolades like the National Pitcher of the Year Award and the Dick Howser Trophy on his way to being the Pirates' No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 MLB draft.
Paul Skenes reminisces his time as a two-way player
While Skenes has been setting records with his impeccable pitching in his rookie season, the LSU graduate misses the other aspects of his game. Following his first All-Star nod for the midsummer classic in July, Skenes shared his thoughts on not hitting anymore (via Sporting News):
"I miss hitting, I miss catching too. Just being in the game every single day, that's the thing I miss probably the most."
As impressive as his numbers were as a hitter in his early baseball career, MLB fans will hope the exciting talent could keep his arm healthy as he is expected to be the "next big thing" in baseball.
