Best Young Pitchers in MLB: Skenes, Misiorowski, and the Future of the Mound

By Oliver Wiener June 29, 2025 14:12

The 2025 MLB season has been defined by the emergence of two electrifying young pitchers: Paul Skenes of the Pittsburgh Pirates and Jacob Misiorowski of the Milwaukee Brewers. Both 23 years old, these right-handed flamethrowers have captivated fans and analysts alike with their blazing velocity, dominant performances, and poise beyond their years. Their recent head-to-head duel at American Family Field in Milwaukee offered a glimpse into the future of pitching in Major League Baseball.

Paul Skenes: The Established Phenom

Paul Skenes entered the league as the 2023 National League Rookie of the Year and quickly established himself as one of the game’s premier arms. In the 2025 season, he owns a 4-6 record with a sterling 1.85 ERA and a 0.88 WHIP over 106 innings pitched. Skenes’ ability to generate strikeouts is elite, tallying 110 Ks in that span, and his fastball consistently touches triple digits. His slider, averaging around 93 mph, complements his heat, making him a nightmare for hitters.

Skenes’ dominance is underscored by his consistency. Prior to his matchup with Misiorowski, he had allowed four or more runs only twice in 39 starts. However, in their recent duel, the Brewers’ lineup exploited a rare rough patch, scoring four runs in a 37-pitch second inning, the most runs Skenes had ever allowed in a single inning. Despite this, his overall performance remains a benchmark for young pitchers.

Jacob Misiorowski: The Rising Star

In contrast, Jacob Misiorowski is a newcomer making a splash with just 11 innings under his belt before facing Skenes. In his first three starts, Misiorowski boasts a remarkable 1.13 ERA and a 33.3% strikeout rate, striking out eight batters over five shutout innings against the Pirates. His fastball velocity is staggering, averaging 99.7 mph with multiple pitches exceeding 100 mph, including a career-high 102.4 mph the fastest pitch ever recorded by a Brewers pitcher.

Misiorowski’s command and composure have been equally impressive. He has allowed only three hits in his first three starts, breaking a record previously held since 1975. Brewers manager Pat Murphy praised his poise, noting, “Miz is in his third start. It’s unfair to compare him to Skenes, but he’s got electric stuff and the mindset to match.”

The Historic Duel

Their June 25, 2025, matchup was highly anticipated, with fans packing the stadium to witness two of baseball’s hardest throwers face off. Misiorowski threw 74 pitches over five scoreless innings, striking out eight, while Skenes struggled in the second inning, allowing four runs in a rare lapse. The combined velocity of their pitches set a new MLB record for opposing starters in the same game, with Misiorowski throwing 19 pitches at or above 100 mph and Skenes touching 100 mph once.

Despite the loss, Skenes remained gracious, saying, “He did a great job. I’m looking forward to pitching against him again.” Misiorowski echoed the sentiment, admitting he had to mute social media to stay focused amid the hype.

What This Means for the Future

Skenes and Misiorowski represent a new generation of pitchers who combine elite velocity with advanced pitch mixes and mental toughness. Their performances suggest a shift toward power pitching dominating the mound, but with growing emphasis on control and strategic pitching.

While Skenes’ experience and track record give him an edge, Misiorowski’s blazing fastball and early success hint at a long and impactful career ahead. Both pitchers have already become central figures in their teams’ rotations and are poised to shape the future of MLB pitching.

As the season progresses, fans can expect more thrilling duels between these two phenoms and others who follow in their footsteps. Their emergence signals an exciting era where raw power meets refined skill, promising baseball fans a new standard of pitching excellence.