In a remarkable achievement just six months after his big league debut, National League Rookie of the Year Paul Skenes was elected to the Major League Baseball Players’ Association (MLBPA) eight-man executive subcommittee on Wednesday. The 22-year-old Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher, who was called up to the majors in May, continues to make waves both on and off the field.
Skenes, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft out of LSU, wasted no time in making an impact, finishing his rookie season with an impressive 11-3 record and a 1.96 ERA. His stellar performance earned him a spot in the All-Star Game just two months after his promotion—a rare feat for a rookie. Now, as part of the MLBPA executive subcommittee, Skenes is proving that his influence extends beyond the mound, showcasing his leadership potential at a young age.
Joining Skenes on the subcommittee are some notable names, including American League Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal, Padres infielder Jake Cronenworth, Blue Jays pitcher Chris Bassitt, Rays pitcher Pete Fairbanks, and Orioles outfielder Cedric Mullins. Rangers infielder Marcus Semien and Reds pitcher Brent Suter will also continue their terms on the committee. All eight players were elected to serve two-year terms by representatives from each of the 30 MLB teams.
The committee sees the departure of several high-profile players who completed their two-year terms, including Lance McCullers Jr., Jack Flaherty, Ian Happ, Austin Slater, Francisco Lindor, and Lucas Giolito. Flaherty, Giolito, and Happ were involved in a high-profile push earlier this year to remove union deputy executive director Bruce Meyer, but their efforts ultimately fell short, leading to continued stability in the MLBPA leadership.
This change in leadership comes as the MLBPA holds its annual series of meetings in Scottsdale, Arizona this week. The union’s head, Tony Clark, has promised to keep the discussions private as they focus on internal matters and future strategies.
Skenes’ rapid rise from Rookie of the Year to union leadership reflects his growing influence in the game. His addition to the executive subcommittee marks an exciting new chapter in his already extraordinary career. Fans and players alike will be keeping an eye on how the young pitcher handles his new responsibilities, both on and off the field, as he helps shape the future of the MLBPA.
