The Pittsburgh Pirates as a team is embedded with a generational gem. It’s their top pitching prospect, Paul Skenes. In 2023, he was drafted number one overall and Skenes has dominated at every level he’s faced. He boasts a sub-1.00 ERA and a strikeout rate exceeding 50 percent in Triple-A.  However, despite his otherworldly performance, some say it’s not time to leave the farm yet.

Skenes’ present situation is a masterclass in frustration. And this is not baseless. In just four starts, he’s struck out 27 batters in only 12 and two-thirds innings. With that, opposing hitters are left bewildered, managing a meager.116 batting average facing his arsenal. The calls for his promotion to the majors are deafening, yet the Pirates remain cautious.

Ben Verlander on Paul Skenes: “He shouldn’t be in the big leagues…right now”

MLB analyst Ben Verlander isn’t shy about his opinion. While acknowledging Skenes’ obvious talent, he does throw cold water on the idea of an immediate call-up. There’s a rationale behind this. Workload management, Verlander, talks about the critical difference between Skenes’ college experience—pitching once a week—and the demands of a major league ace. This, in entirety, requires him to take the mound every fifth day.

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Verlander’s comments echo the emotion expressed by the Pirates’ front office as well. General Manager Ben Cherington underscores the importance of moving ahead with a measured approach. With that, they prioritize Skenes’ long-term development over a quick promotion. The organization is pressing on avoiding overtaxing his young arm, ensuring his persistent success for years to come.

While Verlander and the Pirates prioritize caution, some believe it borders on overprotectiveness. It is not a secret that Skenes’ performance points to the diminishing returns of continued dominance in the minors. Perhaps he is too good for triple-A, which is a good enough reason to believe that Skenes is ready for the major league challenge. Could any further delay hinder his development? 

The path forward: A balancing act for the Pirates 

The key for the Pirates lies in striking a balance. First, they must nurture Skenes’ talent while also ensuring that his arm remains healthy. A gradual increase in his workload, coupled with close monitoring, could pave the way for a successful major league debut. And this might happen sooner rather than later.

So irrespective of the exact timeline, one thing is for sure. Paul Skenes will be a future ace. His greatness, in conjunction with the presence of young arms like Mitch Keller and Jared Jones, has Pirates fans dreaming of a capable rotation for years to come. The wait might be tough, but the reward promises to be worth it.