Monday night, Pittsburgh Pirates star pitcher Paul Skenes formally received the Rookie of the Year accolade from the National League.
Cal Ripken announced the news on MLB Network, showing a charmingly puzzled expression when the camera switched to a live view of Skenes with his fiancée LSU gymnast Livvy Dunne.
Dunne offered her congrats and pride for the Pirates’ ace, clearly more so than Skenes personally. She was really pumped.
Skenes gave Dunne a hug and a subdued smile. Maybe a modest event for one of the MLB’s top pitchers. And he is just through year one.
Like everyone else, Skenes most certainly wasn’t terribly shocked. The moment gave everyone already knowing what was to come clarity.
Over fellow young talents in San Diego Padres outfielder Jackson Merrill, Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Jackson Chourio, and Chicago Cubs pitcher Shota Imanaga, he took home the trophy. Skenes garnered seven second-place votes and twenty-three of thirty first-place votes.
Additionally a finalist for the 2024 Cy Young award, which will be announced on Wednesday for the National and American Leagues.
