Is this top Draft prospect's glove better than his arm?

June 2nd, 2023

LSU pitcher Paul Skenes went 10-2 with a 1.89 ERA during the regular season for the Tigers, striking out 167 batters in 90 1/3 innings. The transfer from Air Force is one of the top collegiate hurlers in the country and is MLB.com’s No. 2 Draft prospect

Oh, yeah -- and he can also make plays like this.

Facing Tulane in the opening game of NCAA Regional action Friday in Baton Rouge, La., Skenes made a highlight-reel snag to start a key double play in the fourth inning.

He reached between his legs to snag a line drive off the bat of the Green Wave’s Jacob LaPrairie, but that wasn’t all. With the Tulane runner caught off first base, Skenes instinctively turned and tossed to first base to complete the double play.

ESPN play-by-play commentator Dave Neal certainly wasn’t alone in his immediate reaction to the play: “Are you kidding me?”

Skenes wasn’t kidding. And given his talent, it’s not a surprise.

Not only was he the ace of Air Force’s staff in 2022 with a 10-3 record and a 2.73 ERA; he was also one of the Falcons’ best hitters. Skenes hit .314 with 13 home runs and a 1.046 OPS as a sophomore.

So what CAN’T this guy do? Not much, as Friday’s stellar play -- and complete-game win with 12 strikeouts -- showed.