Shelton: Skenes 'in the conversation' for best young pitcher over last 40 years

Pittsburgh Pirates manager Derek Shelton believes Paul Skenes is one of the best hurlers to arrive in the majors over the last four decades.

"I think he has all the tools, and I definitely think he's in the conversation," Shelton told the "Chris Rose Sports" podcast Monday when asked if Skenes is the best young pitcher over the last 40-50 years.

He added: "I think with the tools that he has, the mindset he has, (and) the way he works, he's definitely in that conversation with the best young pitchers we've seen over the last 40 years.

"The pure stuff is as good as I've seen at this young of an age since I've been in the big leagues."

The 54-year-old skipper also acknowledged the 22-year-old ace's demeanour off the mound is what separates the right-hander from other players.

"He's impressive," Shelton said. "If you've been around him at all as a human being. ... He's so talented, but the way he carries himself - the way he presents himself - it's definitely special."

Skenes posted a 1.96 ERA, 0.95 WHIP, and 170 strikeouts over 133 innings (23 starts) en route to winning NL Rookie of the Year. He also became only the fifth freshman ever to finish as an NL Cy Young finalist. The No. 1 pick from the 2023 draft was the sixth-youngest pitcher in MLB history to start the All-Star Game.