Cobb Reporter

Paul Skenes' moment has arrived.

In the span of roughly one year, the 6-foot-6 right-hander has won a College World Series title, gone No. 1 in the Draft, made quick work of the Minor Leagues, put together a historic start to his MLB career and started the All-Star Game (while also making a splash on the red carpet). He looks like the NL Rookie of the Year Award favorite and has clearly established himself as one of the game’s top arms.

His placement in the Starting Pitcher Power Rankings follows that ascent. Skenes, who debuted with the Pirates on May 11, has now appeared in each of our past five polls. And this time? He’s all the way at the top.

Here are the latest Starting Pitcher Power Rankings, voted on by our MLB.com panel, which as always factored in career track record, 2024 performance and recent success.

1. Paul Skenes, Pirates (Last poll: 4)

Yes, he’s made only 11 Major League starts. But few pitchers in baseball history can boast Skenes’ combination of stuff and results at this early stage of their careers, especially at only 22 years old. His final start before the break was a statement: seven hitless innings with one walk and 11 strikeouts at Milwaukee. Add in a scoreless first inning in Tuesday’s All-Star Game against the top of a stacked AL lineup, and our voters were convinced.

2. Tarik Skubal, Tigers (1)

This is six straight top-two finishes for Skubal, who did nothing to lose his perch atop the rankings. The lefty posted a 2.08 ERA and 35-to-3 K-to-BB ratio over his final four first-half starts then recorded a scoreless inning of his own in the All-Star Game. Skubal, the AL's ERA leader (2.41), will now have to show he can maintain those results over a full season.

3. Chris Sale, Braves(9)

While Skubal looks like the AL Cy Young Award favorite, Sale is stating a compelling case on the NL side. Finally fully healthy, the 35-year-old made the All-Star team for the first time since 2018 and finished the first half as the NL leader in wins (13) and FIP (2.23) and is second only to teammate Reynaldo López in ERA (2.70). The awards recognition would be overdue for a pitcher who has had significant career achievements but never won a Cy Young award.

4. Corbin Burnes, Orioles (2)

What a whirlwind it’s been for Burnes over recent weeks; most importantly, his twin daughters were born on June 28th. Burnes also closed out a strong first half for Baltimore's first-place team by being named starter for AL in All-Star Game where he worked a scoreless inning—marking four consecutive All-Star nods—and remains poised to potentially add another Cy Young Award before entering free agency next season.

5 Garrett Crochet White Sox(3)

There was one big question about Crochet on Opening Day: Will he really be able to hack it as an MLB starter? Consider that answered emphatically so far into this season as he not only held his own during its initial phase but dominated overall earning him an All-star selection too though questions linger regarding how many more starts or innings await given injury history alongside potential trade scenarios involving Chicago White Sox aiming towards contending prospects ahead..

6 Seth Lugo Royals(5)

Kansas City signed Lugo during off-season primarily aiming stabilizing rotation banking upon successful conversion from reliever-to-starter witnessed previous year under Padres uniform vindicating their decision further owing exemplary performances turned forth while clinching First-time all-star accolade within twenty appearances summing up eleven victories coupled alongside commendable ERA statistics

7 Zack Wheeler Phillies(6)

Alongside names like Skubal/Burnes-Wheeler ranks amongst select trio appearing within every edition thus far concerning Starting Pitchers' power-rankings attributed largely due resilient comebacks post rare hiccups encountered specifically around mid-June while continuing sustained momentum maintaining impressive figures relative OPS/ERA ratios respectively reflecting consistency maintained throughout tenure since joining Philadelphia roster back during pre-season phases dated prior2020

8 Cole Ragans Royals(not ranked )

Although lesser recognized compared peers yet Cole Ragans managed delivering stellar performances across major-league campaigns garnering justified accolades ultimately culminating into securing deserved inclusion amid Top-ten rankings amidst consistent display backed via statistical validations inclusive WAR calculations aligning similarly favorable metrics thereby solidifying status among emerging contenders representing Kansas City's franchise endeavors presently ongoing efforts optimally maximizing potential benefits accruable through valuable contributions rendered therein...

9 Tanner Houck RedSox(not ranked )

Despite yielding occasional home-run instances notably against high-profile opponents alike Shohei Ohtani evidenced recently during showcase event nevertheless commendable aspect lies preventing extensive damages typically associated owing strategic pitching styles deployed proficiently ensuring minimal concessions achieved thus resulting significant lower ERAs recorded indicating promising trajectory charted onward projections aimed toward sustained progression envisioned forwardly ...

10 Logan Gilbert Mariners(not ranked )

Commanding notable control parameters alongside superior metrics reflective opposing batters' difficulties registering effective engagements vis-a-vis extended mound presence consistently deploying diverse range pitches accentuating strengths exemplified particularly evident when observing WHIP/IP rates positioning Gilbert favorably amongst contemporaries similarly striving excellence envisioned collectively inspiring continued aspirations sought across broader spectrums envisaged collaboratively aspiring toward achieving ultimate objectives targeted proactively fostering dynamic environment geared promoting progressive advancements perpetually envisaged herein...

Others receiving votes: Reynaldo López (Braves), Ranger Suárez (Phillies), George Kirby (Mariners), Dylan Cease (Padres), Cristopher Sánchez (Phillies), Max Fried (Braves), Justin Steele(Cubs ), Ronel Blanco(Astros ), Taj Bradley(Rays )

Voters David Adler Doug Gausepohl Thomas Harrigan Brent Maguire Whitney McIntosh Ricardo Montes de Oca Arturo Pardavila Andrew Simon