Pirates' Paul Skenes Draws Attention-Grabbing Comparison to MLB Legends

The young Pirates ace is drawing comparisons to power pitchers like Nolan Ryan and Roger Clemens.

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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Pittsburgh Pirates ace Paul Skenes has drawn high praise from MLB Network's Dan Plesac, who compared the young pitcher to legendary power pitchers like Nolan Ryan and Roger Clemens. Through his first two MLB seasons, Skenes has emerged as one of the best pitchers in the league, winning the Cy Young Award in 2025 and helping the Pirates build a strong rotation as they aim to return to the playoffs.

Why it matters

Skenes' rise to stardom is an exciting development for the Pirates, who are looking to end their playoff drought and bring postseason baseball back to Pittsburgh. The comparisons to all-time great power pitchers like Ryan and Clemens speak to Skenes' electric stuff and dominant performances, which have made him a must-watch player in the league.

The details

Skenes was the first overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft out of LSU, where he had a 1.69 ERA in 19 starts for the national champion Tigers. He quickly rose through the minor leagues and made his MLB debut in May 2024, going on to post a 1.96 ERA in 23 starts that season. In his first full MLB campaign in 2025, Skenes led the league with a 1.97 ERA, threw 187.2 innings, and won the Cy Young Award.

  • Skenes was called up to the majors in May 2024.
  • In 2025, Skenes led the league with a 1.97 ERA and won the Cy Young Award.

The players

Paul Skenes

The Pittsburgh Pirates' ace pitcher who has drawn comparisons to legendary power pitchers like Nolan Ryan and Roger Clemens.

Dan Plesac

An MLB Network analyst who praised Skenes and made the comparison to Ryan and Clemens.

Nolan Ryan

A Hall of Fame power pitcher who is considered one of the all-time greats.

Roger Clemens

A Hall of Fame power pitcher who is considered one of the all-time greats.

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What they’re saying

“This guy is a throwback to the days of Nolan Ryan, Roger Clemens, Curt Schilling, John Smoltz. Power pitchers that aren't afraid to go out there. And listen, he's been front and center ever since he put on a Pirates uniform. He's a guy when the Pirates go on the road, you want to see Paul Skenes pitch. We say it's win day when he pitches. He's just what the game is all about.”

— Dan Plesac, MLB Network Analyst (MLB Network)

What’s next

The Pirates are hoping Skenes can continue his dominant performances and lead them back to the playoffs in 2026.

The takeaway

Paul Skenes' rise to stardom as one of the best pitchers in baseball has the Pirates and their fans excited for the team's playoff prospects. The comparisons to all-time great power pitchers like Nolan Ryan and Roger Clemens speak to Skenes' electric stuff and ability to dominate opposing hitters.