Paul Skenes Secures National League Rookie of the Year Honors

The National League Rookie of the Year award for 2024 was awarded to Paul Skenes, a right-handed pitcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates. While Jackson Chourio of the Milwaukee Brewers was a notable contender, the primary competition came from San Diego Padres‘ center fielder Jackson Merrill.

Paul Skenes’ victory in the race for the rookie accolade was solidified on Monday, receiving 23 first-place votes compared to Merrill’s seven. Skenes came into the season with substantial expectations and undoubtedly fulfilled them, showcasing his pitching prowess throughout the year.

Merrill, who transitioned to center field from shortstop, made his mark with a remarkable performance over 156 games. The rookie led all major league newcomers with a 5.3 fWAR, 162 hits, 61 extra-base hits, 90 RBIs, a .292 batting average, and a .500 slugging percentage. Additionally, he tied for the lead with 24 home runs. His defensive capabilities in center field also stood out, with Merrill being credited with 12 Outs Above Average.

At the plate, Merrill’s ability to perform under pressure was notable, with five game-tying or go-ahead home runs in the ninth inning or later during the Padres’ playoff race. Notably, these crucial hits were achieved against some of the league’s top relief pitchers, including Mason Miller, Blake Treinen, and Edwin Díaz.

The Padres have not seen a Rookie of the Year winner since Benito Santiago in 1987 and will have to wait longer for another titleholder.

Meanwhile, Skenes’ achievements on the mound were unprecedented. He set a new record in the Live Ball Era with the most starts (23) and the lowest ERA (1.96) among rookie pitchers. With 170 strikeouts, he also set a new franchise record for rookies. Skenes led the National League in various pitching metrics, including ERA, expected ERA (2.50), strikeouts per nine innings (11.5), WHIP (0.95), and strikeout-minus-walk rate (26.8 percent) among pitchers with at least 130 innings pitched.

Skenes’ exceptional performance has also positioned him as a finalist for the National League Cy Young Award, further bolstering his credentials in the race for Rookie of the Year.