Paul Skenes to Make Major League Debut with Pittsburgh Pirates

Pittsburgh Pirates' top prospect, Paul Skenes, is finally set to make his much-anticipated major league debut on May 11.

Paul Skenes, the Pittsburgh Pirates' highly touted top prospect, has been called up to the major leagues and will make his debut on May 11 at home against the Chicago Cubs.

Pirates fans have been eagerly awaiting Skenes' arrival in the big leagues since the start of the season. Drafted first overall out of LSU in the 2023 MLB Draft, Skenes impressed during spring training but was assigned to Triple-A Indianapolis to begin the season.

Despite a solid outing in Monday's start against the Buffalo Bisons, in which he struck out four batters but allowed his first home run of the year, the Pirates are confident in Skenes' abilities.

"He's been checking just about every box since the season started and responding incredibly well," Pirates GM Ben Cherington told Audacy's 93.7 The Fan on Sunday.

Skenes has been dominant in Triple-A, posting a stellar 0.99 ERA over his first seven starts. He has surrendered only 17 hits over 27⅓ innings, striking out 45 batters while walking eight.

Not only is Skenes the Pirates' top prospect, but MLB.com ranks him as the No. 3 prospect in all of baseball. His impressive performance in the College World Series run in 2023, where he finished with a 13-2 record, made him a shoo-in for the Pirates to draft him first overall.

He inked a record $9.2 million signing bonus with the Pirates upon joining the organization.

Skenes' major league debut is not only highly anticipated by Pirates fans but by baseball enthusiasts nationwide. The right-hander is expected to make an immediate impact for the Pirates, who have struggled to find consistency in their rotation.

His girlfriend, social media sensation and LSU gymnast Olivia Dunne, has been vocal about her support for Skenes and has been eager for his call-up. After posting a photo of a Pirates jersey with the number 30 and a black heart emoji on Snapchat, many speculated that Skenes' debut was imminent.

Skenes' performance on the biggest stage in sports will be closely watched not only by Pirates fans but by all of baseball. His potential is immense, and his debut could be a turning point for the Pirates franchise.