Nobody has taken baseball by storm quite like Paul Skenes. The Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher has been dominant ever since entering The Show, and he doesn’t look to be stopping anytime soon. Skenes will be heading into a big 2026, which leaves the door open for some exciting betting opportunities.
LSU
After graduating from El Toro High School, he attended the United States Air Force Academy, where he was a two-way player. Yet the pitcher broke out after transferring to LSU. That 2023 season was special, as he led the college to the SEC. With a 13-2 record, Skenes had a 1.69 ERA, pitching 122.2 innings. Skenes dominated the mound with 209 strikeouts, a single-season SEC record, while conceding only 20 walks and limiting hitters to a .165 average. His brilliance was recognised with the SEC Pitcher of the Year award, the prestigious Dick Howser Trophy, and College World Series glory. The American built a solid foundation at LSU, and it’s no surprise the big leagues came calling.
MLB
Pittsburgh selected the LSU player with the first pick of the 2023 draft, which led to his debut in 2024. Over a short span, Skenes has built a reputation for exceptional strikeout ability and for showing different looks on the mound. His rookie year showcased his talent, as he was named the 2024 Rookie of the Year and the Cy Young Award winner. By starting in that year’s All-Star Game, Skenes became the first rookie pitcher to achieve this feat. With a league-best 1.97 ERA, 216 strikeouts, and a razor-sharp 0.95 WHIP, he produced a season of rare dominance. Precision and power combined to deliver a campaign worthy of the 2025 Baseball Digest Pitcher of the Year honour. Skenes is on the path to being one of the league’s greatest. 2026 looks to be fascinating. Let’s take a look at some betting options.
Betting options
Skenes’ ability to strike people out is awe-inspiring, and that strikeout total has increased this season. It means the value lies in the 8/5 odds on Skenes recording more than 225 strikeouts. Furthermore, if he produces more than 275 strikeouts, then the reward will be fantastic at 11/1 odds. Looking at the National League MVP, the bookmakers haven’t given Skenes a massive chance at 30/1 odds, but if you like a long shot, it could be worth it.
With power on the mound and poise under pressure, Skenes looks destined for greatness. The 2026 season may be the stage where his talent truly flourishes, so expect Skenes to set the baseball world alight.