Paul Skenes, Jackson Merrill, and the Race for 2024 MLB Rookie of the Year
Every MLB season, there’s a fresh batch of young talent that captures the attention of baseball fans across the nation. In 2024, the National League ante is raised with a thrilling crop of rookies showcasing their skills on the diamond. Leading the charge are none other than Pittsburgh Pirates’ towering pitcher Paul Skenes and the San Diego Padres’ hotshot shortstop Jackson Merrill. As awards season begins to beckon, these two talents are standing head and shoulders above the rest, with Skenes ultimately walking away with the prestigious Rookie of the Year award.
This showdown between Skenes and Merrill has been anything but predictable. From highlight reel performances to clutch moments, both of these players showcased the makings of future stars in Major League Baseball. So, how did we get here? Let’s break down their year, their rise to stardom, and the highlights that brought us to this crowning moment.
Paul Skenes: The Pitching Phenom
Let’s start with the 6-foot-6 flamethrower, Paul Skenes. Drafted No. 1 overall by the Pittsburgh Pirates out of LSU, the expectations were sky-high for this young pitcher the moment he stepped into the big leagues. But, as any seasoned MLB fan knows, there’s no guarantee that even a top draft pick can deliver at this level. Skenes, however, was an exception. Not only did he live up to the hype—he exceeded it.
Armed with a fastball that routinely hits triple digits, Skenes took the mound with authority. Over the course of the season, he posted a record of 10-6 with a stunning ERA of 2.88, striking out 214 batters over 166 innings. By the end of the 2024 campaign, it became evident that Skenes wasn’t just some promising rookie. He was a bulldog on the mound, dominating any batter that dared to step into his strike zone.
Pirates fans certainly have a lot to cheer about—and Skenes’ arrival may have just sparked the beginning of something magical in the Steel City. Bob Nutting, the team’s principal owner, was quoted saying, “Paul is the kind of special talent that can change a franchise’s trajectory. He has the work ethic, the talent, and the mental game to become one of the game’s greatest.”
So… What Makes Paul Skenes So Good?
Here’s why Skenes has been such a standout:
- Command of the fastball: With a heater that surpasses 100 mph, Skenes can blow pitches by hitters.
- Strikeout ability: His 214 strikeouts mirrored those of elite pitchers with years of experience.
- Mental toughness: Throughout the season, Skenes showed poise even in tough late-game situations, a characteristic rare for young pitchers.
There were no “growing pains” for Skenes on the mound as we’ve seen with previous rookie pitchers—just overpowering stuff and pinpoint accuracy. If he can build on his stellar rookie season, it’s not a stretch to imagine him as the leader of a new wave of Pittsburgh dominance.
Jackson Merrill Lights it Up for the Padres
On the other side of this Rookie of the Year battle is shortstop sensation Jackson Merrill of the San Diego Padres. Only 21 years old, Merrill was taken in the first round of the 2021 draft and as soon as he made his big league debut, it was clear that the hype surrounding him wasn’t misplaced. The Padres, a team looking to make waves in the postseason after years of falling short, found an extra gear thanks to Merrill’s contributions.
Merrill’s athleticism, defensive prowess, and ability to hit in crucial moments made him a standout. By the end of the 2024 season, Merrill was boasting a slash line of .296/.345/.506 with 21 home runs and 79 RBIs. His glove work made him one of the top shortstops not only among rookies but in the entire National League.
His performance throughout the season brought a jolt of energy to a Padres team that desperately needed a spark. Teammates love him, fans adore him, and Merrill’s demeanor at such a young age drew frequent comparisons to some of the great shortstops to have ever graced the game.
The Skills That Make Merrill a Future Star
What sets Jackson Merrill apart from other rookies? Check out these key aspects of his game:
- Superb glove work: As a shortstop, Merrill’s defensive instincts are second to none—he makes tough plays look routine.
- Clutch hitting: Merrill showcased the ability to step up in crucial game situations, earning the trust of Padres management.
- Speed on the basepaths: Merrill’s speed helped him notch 23 stolen bases, making him a dual threat both offensively and defensively.
The sky truly seems to be the limit for Merrill. If his rookie season is any indication, he could be a perennial All-Star and a staple on highlight reels for years to come.
The Intense Rookie of the Year Race
At one point late in the season, it seemed like a genuine toss-up whether Skenes or Merrill would come away with the National League Rookie of the Year title. Both players had legitimate cases, and both provided their teams with irreplaceable value. But any race this close often boils down to individual moments. And Skenes, with his jaw-dropping strikeout rates and game-changing dominance on the mound, edged out Merrill’s impressive season.
The two headlined a class of rookies that was spectacular across both leagues. Here’s a look at the top contenders:
- Paul Skenes – 10-6 record, 214 strikeouts, 2.88 ERA with the Pittsburgh Pirates.
- Jackson Merrill – .296/.345/.506, 21 homers, 79 RBIs with the San Diego Padres.
- Jordan Lawlar – Showcased his two-way talent as both a fielder and a hitter for the Arizona Diamondbacks. Lawlar remains a future star, but just missed the cut for winning.
- Nolan Schanuel – With a blistering bat and an eye for making plays, Schanuel was a solid contender coming out of the Miami Marlins system.
It stands as a testament to the incredible future of baseball—that these rookies are already joining the ranks of top players in the league. The 2024 season may be just a precursor to the kind of dominance Skenes and Merrill may bring for years to come.
When asked about his historic season, Skenes was humble but confident: “It’s an honor to win Rookie of the Year. But for me, the real goal is helping the team win a World Series. This is just the start.” Merrill, meanwhile, was gracious in defeat, saying, “This motivates me even more. We’ve got a young roster here that believes we can win big, and I just want to do my part in making that happen.”
If these comments are anything to go by, the next few seasons of MLB action are going to be electric—and it could very well be that we see these two names square off in tight pennant or postseason races once again.
What Does the Future Hold?
So, what’s next for Paul Skenes and Jackson Merrill? For Skenes, it’s all about cementing himself as the ace of the Pirates’ rotation and potentially leading the team to playoff glory, a feat that has eluded Pittsburgh for years. Skenes has the talent to not only become one of the top pitchers in the National League but to also redefine what it means to be a dominant strikeout machine.
On the other hand, Merrill’s future with the Padres is equally bright. With several key players around him, there’s a strong chance that San Diego could build a championship-contending team around the young shortstop. Merrill has the tools to develop into one of the best infielders in the game, and his debut season is just the beginning.
The 2024 season may be in the rearview mirror, but the peaks that Paul Skenes and Jackson Merrill reached will undoubtedly keep fans buzzing. While Skenes took the ultimate individual accolade this year, don’t sleep on Merrill—this rivalry could continue to flourish in unexpected and exciting ways. As the next generation of superstars, we are sure to see them dominate baseball for a long time to come.
Originally Written by: Gabe Lacques
