The reigning National League Rookie of the Year, who is arguably the most dominant first-year pitcher in decades, will take the mound on Opening Day. While many of us suspected this since last Halloween, it is now confirmed.
Skenes, currently part of LSU’s most famous couple (although Chris Hilton Jr. and Flau’jae are gaining on them), had the news revealed on the Pirates’ social media channels.
Paul’s girlfriend, the incredible Livvy Dunne, also shared the following post on X.
The moment Paul Skenes found out he was starting on Opening Day. pic.twitter.com/xLJUjPKpgY
— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) March 15, 2025
In reviewing the video posted by the Pirates, there’s a part of me that feels they may just be trolling here. The super low angle makes me think this was shot on a nanny cam or perhaps they were going for some type of film noir effect. All in all, it’s a fairly innocent setup with Skenes being called into manager Derek Shelton’s office.
Paul sort of nervously talks about how he’s been throwing and both parties make reference to likely 2025 rookies Hunter Barco and Bubba Chandler. After a few moments of awkward conversation, the Pirates skipper stands up and congratulates Paul on his first Opening Day start.
Personally, I think it would have gotten bigger laughs if he would have said, “Paul, we’re starting you out in Triple A” and then flipped the script on him. Maybe drop in a “boom, roasted” just for fun. Either way, social media was somewhat miffed by the announcement and had plenty of jokes.
The shocked look on our face seeing Paul Skenes being named the Opening Day starter pic.twitter.com/seRQtfAsPV
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) March 15, 2025
Paul Skenes: *named ROTY* 😐
Paul Skenes: *named opening day starter* 😐
Paul Skenes: *gets to sit in fire truck* 🤩 pic.twitter.com/HKn9pSWSZv
— MattMcKnightArt (@MattMcKnightArt) March 16, 2025
Gotta respect Skenes not even feigning surprise here, everybody and their grandmother knew he was the Opening Day starter https://t.co/jERVQC5ACp
— Beck (@Upper_Beck) March 16, 2025
The Pirates will open their season on Thursday, March 27th in Miami. First pitch is scheduled for 4:10 p.m. ET.
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