Paul Skenes, the standout pitcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates, is establishing himself as one of baseball's elite with an impressive 2.03 ERA and a remarkable WHIP of 0.92 this season. Despite the Pirates struggling at the bottom of the NL Central, Skenes continues to shine, showcasing his skills with 115 strikeouts over 111 innings pitched. After his recent start against the St. Louis Cardinals, where he secured a 1-0 victory, Skenes revealed an unexpected dream to pursue landscaping once his baseball career concludes, a unique passion for a player on the brink of MLB stardom.

Jacob Misiorowski, the Milwaukee Brewers' rookie pitcher, has made a remarkable start to his MLB career, allowing just two runs across 16 innings while striking out 19 batters. Notably, he began his career with 11 hitless innings, a feat not seen in 125 years. Despite this early success, Misiorowski remains grounded, attributing his focus to spending time with family and avoiding social media distractions.

Misiorowski has worked diligently on his command, showing improvement in his walk rate during his time at Triple-A, dropping from previous highs. His impressive arsenal includes a fastball averaging 99.6 mph, a slider with high zone and strike rates, and a curveball that excels in vertical drop. His mental approach has evolved, learning to use visual cues for pitch placement, which has significantly enhanced his effectiveness on the mound. With this combination of talent and mental fortitude, Misiorowski appears poised for a successful career ahead.

Jacob Misiorowski is quickly establishing himself as the front-runner for National League Rookie of the Year. The Milwaukee Brewers rookie pitcher has seen his odds plummet from +1700 to -180 at DraftKings, indicating a strong performance. In his first three starts, he boasts a remarkable 1.13 ERA, allowing just three hits with 19 strikeouts over 16 innings. Notably, his fastball has been clocked over 100 mph, setting franchise records.

Following a victory against the Pittsburgh Pirates and a stellar matchup against fellow rookie sensation Paul Skenes, Misiorowski's dominance has become a focal point of the league. Skenes may have grabbed headlines previously, but Misiorowski's performance is making waves, positioning him as the clear favorite to take home the prestigious Rookie of the Year award.

Three top fantasy baseball prospects are making waves this season: Bubba Chandler, Samuel Basallo, and Nolan McLean. These players, available on many waiver wires, have the potential to contribute significantly in 2025. Chandler, a pitcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates, has shown elite potential but struggled recently, creating a perfect opportunity for savvy managers to acquire him. Basallo, the highly regarded catcher for the Baltimore Orioles, has been crushing it in Triple-A, leading many to wonder when he'll make his MLB debut. Finally, McLean of the New York Mets has had a solid season, impressing with low ERA numbers, making him a valuable stash as the team navigates injuries in their pitching staff.

The Pittsburgh Pirates achieved a remarkable fifth consecutive victory, narrowly defeating the St. Louis Cardinals 1-0 at PNC Park. The game's only run came in the eighth inning, initiated by a single from Ke'Bryan Hayes, followed by Adam Frazier's pinch-hit double that positioned runners at second and third. Henry Davis drove in the winning run with a sacrifice fly, sealing the game for the Pirates. On the mound, Paul Skenes delivered a stellar performance, pitching five scoreless innings and striking out five, while effectively navigating a challenging third inning.