Why it's time to pick up Paul Skenes; before everyone else does

On Saturday, May 11 the number one pick from the 2023 MLB Draft and the number one pitching prospect in baseball made his pitching debut, and he struggled a bit, giving up three runs and striking out seven. But, Skenes is going to be a stud this year for fantasy, and you need him on your team as soon as possible.

Paul Skenes first career start was a little shaky. He gave up three earned runs, six hits, walked four, and struck out seven in four innings pitched. We get the feeling that the Pirates wanted to ease Skenes into the MLB life, and for him to shake the nerves off as he only threw 84 pitches. Skenes next projected start is on Friday, May 17, once again against the Chicago Cubs, where he looks to show his true potential.

In AAA this season, Skenes has been nothing but dominant. In seven total games started in the minor leagues, he has posted 45 strikeouts in 27.1 innings pitched. Along with this, he also has a 0.99 ERA and a 0.91 WHIP. Skenes has only given up three earned runs in his first month in the minors, which is just incredible. This is part of the reason that he got called up to the majors after only seven career starts.

In Dynasty Leagues, Skenes will be the arguably the best pitcher. He is only 21 years old, so he will be one of the best pitcher for the next 15+ years. We predict that he will be along the likes of a Clayton Kershaw/ Max Scherzer player like build. Skenes has the potential to even be better than they are, once he gets the nerves shaken off.

Skenes is only rostered in 78.3% of leagues, so there is still a chance that you can pick him up. If so, he is a must add for your team, even if he has a rough couple of first outings. For the next of the season, we would rather have Skenes than all of these pitchers: Jordan Montgomery, Blake Snell, Joe Ryan, Charlie Morton, Jon Gray, Evan Phillips, Jordan Hicks, Jose Berrios, Kirby Yates, Ronel Blanco, and Tanner Houck. All of these guys have obviously more points than Paul Skenes this year, but they don't have the potential of Skenes as he could be a top-10 pitcher for the rest of the season.