MLB All-Star Game: Paul Skenes Makes Starting Debut — What’s Next for the Rookie Ace?

By Oliver Wiener July 16, 2025 09:02

Paul Skenes, the Pittsburgh Pirates' young left-hander, cemented his status as baseball’s premier rookie ace by making his starting debut at the 2025 MLB All-Star Game at Truist Park. At just 23 years old and scarcely over a year into his major league career, Skenes’ impressive scoreboard-stopping performance showcased a rare maturity and electric talent that has rapidly made him one of MLB’s most formidable pitchers.

Skenes opened the game with a flawless scoreless inning, overpowering a star-studded American League lineup that featured heavy hitters like Gleyber Torres, Riley Greene, and Aaron Judge. Highlighting his dominance, the Pirates ace struck out the first two batters with blazing fastballs clocked at 100.3 mph and 99.7 mph the fastest strikeout deliveries recorded in an All-Star Game since the pitch-tracking era began in 2008. His precision and velocity sent a clear message: despite limited wins this season, Skenes leads MLB with an exceptional 2.01 ERA and tops all pitchers in Wins Above Replacement (WAR) at 4.8 heading into the break.

In his brief but commanding first inning, Skenes exhibited why he was the National League Rookie of the Year last year and why he has already been entrusted with high-leverage innings on baseball’s brightest stage twice in a row. He became the first pitcher in MLB history to start the All-Star Game in each of his first two seasons an extraordinary feat emphasizing his rapid rise.

Pirates manager Dave Roberts praised Skenes’ poise: “Paul’s approach is mature beyond his years. He simplifies the moment, trusts his stuff, and executes under pressure. That’s what great pitchers do, and we’re lucky to have him leading our rotation.” Skenes himself reflected on the experience with humility, stating, “Last year was a whirlwind with only 11 MLB starts. This year, I’m excited to enjoy the moment more but still focus on doing my job. I know this is just the beginning.”

So, what’s next for this rookie ace? The outlook is extraordinarily bright. Skenes’ consistent performance and mid-90s to triple-digit velocity fastballs, complemented by an improving breaking ball and cutter, suggest he is on track to be a cornerstone for the Pirates’ rotation for years to come. Despite owning just four wins due to inconsistent run support, his peripherals underscore an elite pitcher poised for stardom.

The second half of 2025 will be a critical proving ground. Maintaining his sub-2.00 ERA through hot summer months, continuing to lead the league in WAR, and possibly reaching double-digit wins would solidify his candidacy for major awards beyond Rookie of the Year including Cy Young consideration. Furthermore, his All-Star Game showcase lays the foundation for enhanced national recognition and confidence.

Baseball insiders see Skenes as the blueprint for modern pitching: blending electric velocity with strategic pitching intelligence. Former Cy Young winner and analyst Kyle Hendricks observed, “Skenes has all the tools command, power, and poise needed to dominate. If he stays healthy and develops a reliable third pitch, he can be the NL ace for a decade.”

As the Midsummer Classic excitement shifts back to full-season grind, Paul Skenes stands at the threshold of what promises to be a storied career. His All-Star Game starting debut was both a coming-out party and an emphatic statement: a rookie ace is here, and the baseball world has taken notice.