Paul Skenes has made history to begin his career, surpassing MLB greats
We’ve seen dominant starts to an MLB career before, but this is different. Pirates superstar Paul Skenes has officially made history in Major League Baseball, posting the lowest ERA ever through a pitcher’s first 60 career starts (minimum 300 strikeouts). His ERA?
2. 05 That’s not just elite—it’s historically unmatched. Skenes now sits alone at the top of a list that includes some of the most electric arms the game has ever seen: Paul Skenes — 2.
05 ERA Vida Blue — 2. 19 ERA Dwight Gooden — 2. 20 ERA To pass names like Blue and Gooden isn’t just impressive—it’s a statement about just how dominant Skenes has been from day one.
MORE: MLB third basemen power rankings in week 5 Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Paul Skenes watches from the dugout in a game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Pittsburgh Pirates at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025. The Reds won, 2-1.
More Than Just Run Prevention This isn’t a fluky ERA built on luck. The 300+ strikeouts in that span tell the real story. Skenes isn’t just limiting damage—he’s overpowering hitters, missing bats, and controlling games in a way very few young pitchers ever have.