The Pittsburgh Pirates have made a splash in the 2023 MLB Draft by selecting pitcher Paul Skenes from LSU with the first overall pick. Skenes, a 6-foot-6, 235-pound right-hander, had an impressive season with LSU, helping the team win a College World Series. He was the only NCAA Division I player to reach double figures in wins and home runs in 2022. He was also rated as the No. 1 prospect by MLB Pipeline and the No. 2 prospect by Baseball America.

Skenes had an outstanding season at LSU, going 13-2 with five shutouts, two complete games, and a 1.69 ERA. He set an SEC-record with 209 strikeouts and held opponents to a .165 batting average. The Pirates are thrilled to have added such a talented player to their organization.

In addition to the Pirates' selection, the Chicago White Sox also made a notable pick in the draft, selecting shortstop Jacob Gonzalez from Ole Miss with the 15th overall pick. Gonzalez brings power, plate discipline, and defensive skills to the White Sox organization. Despite some mixed reviews about his 2023 season, he was still regarded as a valuable pick for the team.

The 2023 MLB Draft is still ongoing, with Rounds 3-10 taking place on Monday. The draft will conclude on Tuesday with Rounds 11-20. Stay tuned for more updates on the latest draft picks and analysis.