Top MLB draft pick Paul Skenes has officially signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates, securing a historic $9.2 million signing bonus. This surpasses the previous record set by Spencer Torkelson in 2020 when he signed with the Detroit Tigers for $8.42 million.

Skenes, a dominant right-handed pitcher, comes to the Pirates fresh off a College World Series championship with LSU, where he earned Most Outstanding Player honors. His impressive college season included a 12-2 record, a 1.69 ERA, and an astounding 209 strikeouts in 122.2 innings. He also received the National Pitcher of the Year award and the prestigious Dick Howser Trophy.

Expressing his enthusiasm about joining the Pirates, Skenes stated, "It was a pretty straightforward decision. The organization and the people here made me feel very comfortable. The offer was, in my view, very easy to accept."

While eager to contribute to the major league team, Skenes acknowledges the transition ahead. "I believe my skills are nearly ready for the majors," he commented. "However, it's a different level of competition, and I haven't yet experienced a major league environment. I'm committed to doing everything necessary—physically and mentally—to reach that level as quickly as possible. The demands are higher than in college, and I'm ready to face those challenges."

Skenes possesses a formidable pitching arsenal, featuring a fastball that reaches triple digits and increasingly effective offspeed pitches.

Skenes's LSU teammate, outfielder Dylan Crews, was selected second overall by the Washington Nationals.