Baton Rouge, Louisiana (PSF) - Paul Skenes and Dylan Crews, former teammates on the LSU baseball team, made history by becoming the first pair of teammates to be selected as the top two picks in Major League Baseball’s amateur draft. The Pittsburgh Pirates chose Skenes as the No. 1 overall pick, while the Washington Nationals followed by selecting Crews.

Skenes, a hard-throwing pitcher, had an outstanding season for LSU, going 12-2 with a remarkable 1.69 ERA and an impressive 209 strikeouts in 122 innings. His strikeout total set a new single-season SEC record. Standing 6”6, Skenes became the sixth player and the first pitcher to win the Most Outstanding Player award at the Men’s College World Series and subsequently be selected as the top pick in the MLB draft. The only other player to achieve both honors in the same year was Phil Nevin in 1992.

Crews, a power-hitting outfielder, had a remarkable year as well. He became the first player in history to win the Golden Spikes Awards, secure a national title, and be drafted within the top five in a single year. As a junior, Crews demonstrated his exceptional hitting abilities, slashing an impressive.426/.567/.713 with 18 home runs in 71 games. Known for his all-around game, he also brings above-average, defense in center field. Nationals president of baseball operations, Mike Rizzo described Crews as an impact player who can significantly contribute to any lineup.

Skenes, known for his triple-digit fastball and a plus slider, has the potential to reach the major leagues as early as 2024. Crews, a complete hitter with strong defensive skills, is expected to make a significant impact at the professional level. The selection of both players as the top two picks in the draft highlights their exceptional talent and the impact they can make in the world of baseball.