• Loading stock data...
Friday, July 18, 2025

A Rookie Sensation Is Shaking Up MLB’s Approach to Young Talent

  • Paul Skenes is the first MLB player to go No. 1 in the draft and become an All-Star the next year.
  • The Pirates rookie has exceeded preceding hype at every level of competition.
Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

MLB’s biggest rookie phenom is headed to the All-Star Game, and is perhaps helping change how the entire sport thinks about its young talent in the process.

Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes (above) was named to the National League squad Sunday, less than two months after being called up to the major leagues. The 22-year-old Skenes is also the first player in league history to be selected No. 1 in the MLB draft in one year and be named an All-Star in the next. 

Such a rapid ascent is almost unheard of in baseball, a sport in which even the biggest prospects typically require multiple years of development in the minor leagues—creating a heightened challenge for the league to market its up-and-coming stars.

But at every level of competition, Skenes has proved himself even bigger than the hype that precedes him. Since joining the Pirates, Skenes has amassed a 5–0 record with 78 strikeouts in 59⅓ innings—the eighth-highest total ever for an MLB pitcher since 1901 in their first 10 starts. 

Since the July 16 All-Star Game at Globe Life Field lines up with Skenes’s normal pitching schedule, there is also rising chatter that he could even start the event for the NL. Such a designation would provide an entirely new level of national attention to Skenes, as the Pirates are still toiling with a losing record and in one of MLB’s smallest markets.

Bigger Appeal 

But there is much more to the Skenes story. Beyond his electric fastball reaching 100 miles per hour and his wipeout slider, his online fame is further burnished by his relationship with girlfriend Olivia Dunne. A star LSU gymnast and also a national collegiate champion, Dunne has a combined TikTok and Instagram following of more than 13 million—celebrating Skenes’s selection Sunday with a post generating more than 4 million views—and is one of the leading figures for college name, image, and likeness rights. 

Skenes isn’t even the most famous person in that relationship, but that could soon change if his rapid ascent continues. 

“I knew he was the sickest,” said former LSU teammate Tre’ Morgan to MLB.com. “Now, everybody in the world knows he’s the sickest.”

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Jul 13, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred announces the pick for the Athletics pick during the MLB Draft at The Coca-Cola Roxy.

Manfred Says MLB Had Wrong Approach to Creators Like Jomboy

“You gotta go where people are going,” the commissioner said.
Jun 9, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher Luis Ortiz (45) reacts after giving up a home run during the fourth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Progressive Field.

MLB Pitcher’s Paid Leave Extended Through August As Betting Probe Continues

Leagues have been dealing with a host of sports betting issues.

WNBA Stars Say Zero Progress Made at CBA Meeting

The WNBA and its union had their first in-person meeting Thursday.

Featured Today

Jul 21, 2024; Ayrshire, SCT; Xander Schauffele celebrates with Claret Jug after winning the Open Championship golf tournament at Royal Troon.

The Boozy History and Traditions of The Open’s Claret Jug

The Open awards the world’s most famous wine decanter.
2025 PDC World Darts Championship Final - Luke Littler vs Michael Van Gerwen
July 16, 2025

A Teen Darts Prodigy Is Becoming Bigger Than the Game Itself

Luke ‘The Nuke’ Littler is cashing in on his devastatingly accurate shot.
May 31, 2025; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Sydney McLaughin-Levrone (USA) reacts before the women's 100m hurdles during the Grand Slam Track Philadelphia at Franklin Field
exclusive
July 13, 2025

Track’s New Money Is Running Into Old Problems

The sport’s big-money era has hit some speed bumps in 2025.
Bobbleheads are seen at Vintage Indy Sports, Tuesday, April 29, 2025 in Speedway. The local sports memorabilia store opened recently.
July 12, 2025

Baseball’s Bobbleheads Are the Center of the Collectibles Universe

Baseball’s most important keepsake drives long lines—and big business.

Golf’s Prize Money Boom Is Slowing Down

There is no purse increase at The Open Championship.
July 18, 2025

New NFLPA Head Will Face Multibillion-Dollar Decisions

The next NFLPA leader will wrestle with a series of pressing issues.
Feb 7, 2024; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Calais Campbell (middle) receives the NFLPA Alan Page Community Award from executive director Lloyd Howell (left) and president) JC Tretter (right) at the NFLPA Press Conference at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center prior to Super Bowl LVIII.
July 18, 2025

What Comes Next After NFLPA Chief’s Sudden Resignation?

Howell quit on his own accord; he was not forced out.
Sponsored

Game On: Portfolio Players Stories, Brought to You by E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley

Dealmaker Jeffrey Kaplan maps the evolution of sports as an asset class
Lloyd Howell
July 18, 2025

Scandal-Ridden NFLPA Chief Lloyd Howell Quits

The union executive director stepped down late Thursday night.
July 17, 2025

Unrivaled Founder Says Growing League Has ‘No Conflict’ With WNBA

Alex Bazzell co-founded Unrivaled with Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart.
exclusive
July 17, 2025

WNBA, Union Make Little Progress on CBA at All-Star Meeting

Over 40 players showed up for labor negotiations with the league.
July 17, 2025

Cleveland’s WNBA Team Follows Golden State’s Proven Blueprint

The franchise will play its first WNBA season in 2028.