The Pittsburgh Pirates didn’t tinker too much when it came to choosing their Opening Day starter for the 2025 MLB season. The team announced on Saturday that Paul Skenes, the reigning NL Rookie of the Year, will take on the assignment when the Pirates open their season against the Miami Marlins on March 27.
The Pirates made the announcement via video shared on their social media. In the clip, Skenes visits manager Derek Shelton in his office, who proceeds to tell him the news after a brief conversation.
Skenes was somewhat of an obvious choice considering he delivered one of the best rookie seasons in recent memories in 2024. Despite being promoted to the majors in May, Skenes compiled an 11-3 record as a starter and finished the season with a 1.96 ERA and 170 strikeouts. He earned an All-Star nod, was named the National League Rookie of the Year, and finished in the top 3 of Cy Young Award voting.
“I think he deserves it from what he did last year, the way he’s performed. I think we have a really good rotation with some other guys who can do it. Mitch [Keller] has done it in the past and has done a really good job. Just felt like Paul was the best choice,” Shelton said about his decision.
When he takes the mound against the Marlins, Skenes will be the youngest Opening Day starter for the Pirates since at least the beginning of the 20th century at the age of 22 years and 302 days.
“It was a goal, for sure,” Skenes added. “Cool thing to put on the record, but it doesn’t mean anything if we don’t go out there and win, so I’ve got to go out there and pitch well.”
