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The Major League Baseball All-Star Game is just a few weeks away, and the league announced its position player starters on Wednesday afternoon.

READ: Major League Baseball All-Star Starters Are A Mixed Bag

As always, the fans were moderately successful at rewarding the best players in each league with an All-Star start. But MLB, since it picks the starting pitcher for each league, has a chance to ensure that they make the game an entertaining showcase. 

Pick Pittsburgh Pirates star rookie Paul Skenes as the starter for the National League. 

Even though Skenes didn’t start the season in the big leagues, and, as a rookie, is likely to have more opportunities throughout his career, it’s the right time. And the right choice.

Paul Skenes

Jun 5, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA;  Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Paul Skenes (30) pitches against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the third inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Paul Skenes Has Earned An All-Star Start

Despite only making nine starts, Skenes has been among the most effective and valuable starters in baseball. 

He’s struck out 70 hitters in 52.1 innings, has a 2.06 ERA, which would be the lowest by a starting pitcher if he had enough innings to qualify, and his strikeout per nine rate would lead the National League. His command has also been exceptional; his 29.3 K-BB% would also be the best among NL starters.

Skenes’ ERA has been 50% better than league average, another one of the top performances among starting pitchers.

He’s earned the right to start based on his on-field statistics, but perhaps even more importantly, MLB could help build up his profile among younger fans and more casual fans who only tune in for the All-Star Game. Sure, Chris Sale has also been excellent for the Atlanta Braves, but Skenes has the ability to bring in new fans now and in the future.

And after all, the All-Star Game is supposed to be an exhibition and promotional opportunity for the league, isn’t it? Get your biggest name players on the field for as long as possible, where fans and potential fans get to see the best…AND the future.

Right now, that’s Paul Skenes. Do the right thing, Rob Manfred.