ESPN compares Paul Skenes to top pitching prospects, evaluates MLB readiness

Paul Skenes has put together quite the season for LSU to lead the Tigers back to the College World Series. He’s also improving his MLB Draft stock — and, according to the ESPN crew Friday night, is putting himself in a class of his own.

Chris Burke and Kyle Peterson discussed Skenes’ skillset during the Florida vs. Virginia game as the CWS got underway. There will be some big decisions coming up when the MLB Amateur Draft gets underway next month, especially when it comes to Skenes. This year, he has a 12-2 record with a 1.77 ERA and 188 strikeouts in his first season after transferring from Air Force.

In fact, based on what he’s seen in 2023, Burke said Skenes might be even more impressive than recent sensations Jack Leiter, Kumar Rocker and Casey Mize.

“If you grade out the stuff, to me, the stuff is as good as all of the best pitchers that we’ve seen in the college game,” Burke said on the broadcast. “You can argue he has all of their pitches. When you look at the whiff rates, it’s better than Leiter’s heater, it’s right there with Kumar Rocker’s slider, the changeup acts in a similar way to Casey Mize’s split. It feels like he’s the best of all of them.”

The Pittsburgh Pirates won the first-ever MLB Draft lottery, meaning they control the board. They have a big decision to make, too. Pittsburgh could take Skenes and get a possible future ace, or it could go for a proven hitter — maybe Dylan Crews or Florida star Wyatt Langford — who can make an impact every game.

One thing’s for sure, though. Skenes looks the part.

“It’s going to be fascinating to see what the Pirates do,” Burke said. “I mean, you’ve got incredible choices. This draft is so rich with talent. What do you value more? The opportunity at maybe an everyday position player that you think can be an all-star in Dylan Crews or Wyatt Langford? Or what a lot of us think is an already made ace? There’s not a lot of projection that needs to take place with Paul Skenes. He appears to be ready to take on that role, like, tomorrow.”

As for just how ready Skenes is for the big leagues, Peterson made a bold declaration about how quickly he could get there.

“If you wanted to, you could send him straight there,” he said.

Skenes and LSU are gearing up to open the College World Series on Saturday against Tennessee. First pitch is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET from Charles Schwab Field in Omaha.