Jeff Passan, Tim Kurkjian make the case for Paul Skenes starting in 2024 MLB All-Star Game

Pittsburgh Pirates rookie pitcher Paul Skenes made history on Sunday after becoming the first former No. 1 overall draft pick to be named an MLB All-Star in the following season. As Skenes received the nod and will represent the National League in the 2024 MLB All-Star Game next week in Arlington, Texas.

But should the rookie right-hander make even more history and be a starter in the upcoming All-Star game?

MLB insiders Jeff Passan and Tim Kurkjian discussed the possibility Sunday on ESPN’s All-Star Selection Show.

“Not just on the team, but was chosen by Major League Baseball,” Passan said. “Which I think is great for the league to actually acknowledge that even though Paul Skenes hasn’t had the counting stats, or the number of starts, or the experience that some other pitchers have, he brings an element of excitement to this game.”

After quickly making his way up the minor league ranks, Skenes was officially called up to the Pirates on May 11 against the Chicago Cubs. And ever since then, he’s taken the league by storm. Making 10 starts on the mound for Pittsburgh where he’s posted a 5-0 record with a 2.12 ERA, 1.01 WHIP, 78 strikeouts, and 12 base on balls in 59.1 innings pitched to quickly take the league by storm.

“I truly do believe that people would tune in to watch Paul Skenes pitch,” Passan added. “Preferably at the beginning of the game, though there were a lot of people who responded within the industry to that idea of Paul Skenes starting over say Ranger Suárez or Chris Sale with, ‘Come on, you gotta earn it.'”

“Well what I think is that Paul Skenes has earned the eyeballs of people who want to watch baseball and that is what the All-Star Game is about. It’s celebrating the game and just how great it can be, and Paul Skenes guys, is great.”

Skenes has dazzled fans with a fastball that regularly reaches and surpasses 100 miles per hour, which would definitely be a sight to see to kick off the 2024 All-Star Game that Kurkjian wants to see. Viewing Skenes starting as a golden opportunity to showcase the MLB’s young, emerging talent.

“If I could watch one pitcher pitch today it would be Paul Skenes, that’s how exciting he’s been,” Kurkjian said. “I’m totally with Jeff on this, in order to sell the game, especially at the All-Star Game, an exhibition game, let’s let the world see Paul Skenes right off the bat. Let’s see him face Gunnar Henderson in the bottom of the first inning. Two guys, 22-23 years old. That’s exactly what the game’s looking for and they can have it at the All-Star Game.”

Skenes is one of 12 pitchers on the National League squad that could potentially get the start in the upcoming All-Star Game. And while it seems unlikely, overall it will surely be fascinating to see when and how long he does take the mound at Globe Life Field on July 16.