After half a season in Pittsburgh, Isiah Kiner-Falefa is excited about the Pirates’ future.
Naturally, Paul Skenes is a huge reason why. IKF called the rookie sensation “unreal,” as Skenes has mesmerized with a 1.99 ERA and 167 strikeouts over 131 innings and 22 starts. Drafted first overall out of LSU last year, Skenes is only 22.
Kiner-Falefa said it’s hard to tell sometimes.
“He doesn’t act like he’s a rookie,” the utilityman said. “He doesn’t act entitled. He acts like he’s just a normal guy that’s humble, who always wants to get better. And he holds a room. I think for a young guy at his age, you’d expect him to be a little — he won a national title. He’s the first overall pick. This is his first year in professional baseball, so you’d think he’d be walking around with a big head, and he’s the opposite.
“It’s refreshing to see a young guy act that way.”
On Saturday, Skenes will make his first career start at Yankee Stadium, adding a little extra fanfare to the day with the Yankees already focused on the playoffs.
Count Aaron Boone among those eager to see the phenom on the Bronx stage.
“He’s been one of the stories of this season,” the Yankees’ skipper said. “There’s no question that he’s had a massive impact starting the All-Star Game and putting together a great season.”
With the Bombers set to face Skenes for the first time, Kiner-Falefa said the righty reminds him of an ex-teammate: former Pirates and current Yankees ace Gerrit Cole.
“The only reason I say Gerrit is because it’s big expectations out of college, it’s Pittsburgh, and he was able to grow and really get to the next level, said Kiner-Falefa, who played for the Yankees from 2022-2023 and watched Cole win a Cy Young last season. “I think he has a lot of potential. I don’t want to put an expectation on it, but I think he’s just scratching the surface.”
That’s a scary thought, as Skenes is the favorite to win the National League Rookie of the Year Award. He could also receive down-ballot Cy Young votes after making his debut on May 11.
“He’s a beast. The things that he’s doing right now at his age are pretty insane,” Kiner-Falefa said. “I just want to see what he can do in a full season, so I’m excited to play with him next year and to see him keep growing. Hopefully everything works out the way it’s supposed to. He opened our window by himself, so it’s pretty cool.”
