Paul Skenes is not the new Steve Blass, though both pitchers share a distinct connection to the Pittsburgh Pirates’ rotation and a history of high-profile collegiate success. While Steve Blass was a mainstay of the Pirates’ 1970s era who transitioned from a collegiate standout to a franchise pillar, Skenes enters Major League Baseball as the first overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft with a modern power profile and a different set of expectations according to current scouting data and team rosters.
The comparison between the two often surfaces due to their shared impact on the Pittsburgh fan base and their roles as “saviors” of the pitching staff in different eras. Skenes, a right-hander from LSU, debuted for the Pirates in 2024 bringing a triple-digit fastball and a devastating slider. Blass, who pitched for Pittsburgh from 1966 to 1976, became a symbol of the team’s resilience during the 1971 World Series run, despite a well-documented struggle with performance anxiety during the 1971 playoffs.
According to MLB’s official player profile, Skenes possesses a velocity ceiling that exceeds almost any pitcher in the history of the franchise, frequently touching 100 mph. Blass operated in an era where such velocity was rare, relying more on command and a sharp curveball to navigate National League lineups. The “New Steve Blass” narrative is more a reflection of the emotional weight placed on a young ace than a technical comparison of their pitching styles.
How do the career trajectories of Skenes and Blass differ?
The primary difference lies in the nature of their arrival. Steve Blass entered the professional ranks as a drafted player who had to work his way through the minors during the mid-1960s. He eventually became a key part of the 1971 World Series championship team, recording 15 wins in 1972 according to Baseball-Reference. His legacy is defined by longevity and the psychological battle he fought during his peak years.
Paul Skenes arrived in Pittsburgh with unprecedented hype. As the first overall pick in 2023, Skenes was viewed as a generational talent before throwing his first professional pitch. His trajectory is measured by “stuff” and analytics—metrics like spin rate and vertical break—which did not exist during Blass’s tenure. Skenes is tasked with leading a modern rebuild, whereas Blass was a piece of a team already competing for championships.
Blass’s career is also marked by a specific historical moment: the 1971 World Series. After a disastrous start in Game 2, Blass struggled with the pressure of the moment. This event became a central part of his identity and later the subject of his own writings on mental health and sports. Skenes, conversely, has faced the pressure of being the “face of the franchise” from day one, but in an era where sports psychology is integrated into professional training.
What are the statistical parallels between the two pitchers?
Statistically, the two pitchers operate in different universes. Blass was a workhorse of the 1970s, pitching complete games and throwing high volume. In his 1972 season, he posted a 3.13 ERA over 213.1 innings, as documented by Baseball-Reference. He relied on a steady approach to keep the Pirates in games during the “Lumber Company” era of the team’s offense.
Skenes represents the “power pitcher” archetype. His strikeout rates are significantly higher than Blass’s ever were, reflecting the modern shift toward maximizing “K” percentages. While Blass focused on inducing ground balls and managing the game, Skenes focuses on dominance through velocity. The only true parallel is the immediate impact they had on the Pittsburgh community; both became instant household names in Western Pennsylvania.
A comparison of their roles shows that while Blass was a reliable starter who could be pushed to the limit, Skenes is managed with a strict pitch count to preserve his arm. This reflects the evolution of the game from the 1970s to the 2020s, where player health and longevity are prioritized over the “complete game” mentality that Blass embodied.
Why does the “New Steve Blass” label persist?
The label persists because Pittsburgh sports fans often look for historical echoes when a new star arrives. When a pitcher shows a combination of high intelligence, collegiate pedigree, and a strong connection to the city, the comparison to past greats is inevitable. Blass was not just a pitcher; he was a personality who understood the gravity of playing in Pittsburgh.
Skenes occupies a similar space. His poise during interviews and his ability to handle the intense spotlight of the 2024 season mirror the confidence Blass showed early in his career. However, the “New Steve Blass” moniker is more of a sentimental bridge than a factual description. Skenes’s game is built on a level of physical force that Blass never attempted to employ.
Furthermore, both players faced significant scrutiny. Blass faced the scrutiny of a city that expected a championship, while Skenes faces the scrutiny of an era where every single pitch is graded by a computer. The psychological burden is similar, even if the tools used to measure it have changed.
What happens next for Paul Skenes in Pittsburgh?
The focus for Paul Skenes now shifts to sustainability. The Pirates’ organization will monitor his workload and velocity to ensure he avoids the injuries that often plague high-velocity right-handers. His goal is to transition from a “rookie sensation” to a perennial All-Star who can lead the Pirates back to the postseason.
Unlike the era of Steve Blass, where players often stayed with one team for the bulk of their careers, Skenes exists in the age of free agency and massive contracts. His success will be measured by whether he can maintain his strikeout numbers over multiple seasons and how he performs in high-leverage October games—the very stage where Blass’s legacy was most contested.
The next confirmed checkpoint for Skenes is his continued rotation role for the remainder of the current MLB season. Fans and analysts will be watching for his ability to adjust as hitters see his fastball for a second and third time, a challenge that every great pitcher, including Steve Blass, had to overcome.
Do you think Paul Skenes has the potential to surpass the legends of the Pirates’ rotation? Share your thoughts in the comments below.