ESPN MLB Insider Compares LSU's Paul Skenes to Gerrit Cole and Stephen Strasburg

ESPN MLB Insider Jeff Passan compared LSU starting pitcher Paul Skenes to star pitchers Gerrit Cole and Stephen Strasburg as the MLB Draft approaches. Passan made the comments on the "Pat McAfee Show."

Speaking on the "Pat McAfee Show" on Tuesday, ESPN MLB Insider Jeff Passan made a bold claim about LSU starting pitcher Paul Skenes.

With the MLB Draft approaching next month, Skenes is projected to be a top-two pick.

"...He's the best pitching prospect that we've seen since Gerrit Cole and Stephen Strasburg coming into the MLB Draft. He's got everything. He's big, he's strong, he's disciplined, he's got work ethic and his **** is off the charts..."

That's certainly high praise for Skenes, who is coming off a banner year which saw LSU win the National Championship. Skenes went 12-2 this season with a 1.69 ERA. He started 19 games, striking out 209 batters in 122.2 innings.

Cole was selected No. 1 in the draft in 2011 out of UCLA. He's gone to go 138-72 in his career while making five All-Star teams. He's currently 8-1 for the Yankees and has a 2.78 ERA. He's almost assured of another All-Star selection.

As for Strasburg, he was taken No. 1 overall out of San Diego State in 2009. While injured have derailed his career since 2019, he's still gone 113-62 lifetime. He's pitched to a 3.24 career ERA, is a three-time All-Star and helped the Nationals win the 2019 World Series.

The MLB Draft will begin on July 9. The Pittsburgh Pirates have the top pick, followed by the Washington Nationals, Detroit Tigers and Texas Rangers.

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