LSU's Paul Skenes honored as Collegiate Baseball National Player of the Year

Photo courtesy of LSU Baseball

LSU's Friday Night ace and right-handed pitcher, Paul Skenes, has earned the title of Collegiate Baseball's National Player of the Year.

Skenes, a transfer from Air Force, has made a remarkable impact in his first season in Baton Rouge. With a record of 10-2 and an 1.89 ERA in 90.1 innings.

He has exhibited exceptional control on the mound, striking out 167 batters while only walking 17.

Skenes has secured the second-highest number of strikeouts in a season in LSU history, just behind Ben McDonald, who achieved 202 strikeouts in 1989.

Skenes currently holds the top position nationwide in strikeouts (167), strikeouts per nine innings (16.64) and WHIP (0.79).

He also ranks third in the country for strikeout-to-walk ratio (9.82), fourth in ERA (1.89) and sixth in hits allowed per nine innings (5.38).

Skenes has established himself as a dominant force in the SEC, leading the conference in wins with 10, strikeouts, ERA, innings pitched and opponent batting average, which stands at an .166.

With his exceptional performance and the projection of being a first-round pick, Skenes has undoubtedly made an unforgettable first and only season with LSU and a lasting impact on the collegiate baseball scene.

Along with this achievement, Skenes also secured the title of 2023 SEC Pitcher of the Year, as voted by league coaches.

This remarkable achievement not only distinguishes Skenes as an exceptional talent but also marks him as the first pitcher to claim this award since Aaron Nola achieved the feat back in 2013 and 2014.

Skenes' accomplishments and impact on the LSU team exemplify his talent and promise for a bright future in the world of baseball as the 2023 MLB Draft approaches.