Kade Anderson – The Spiritual Descendant of Paul Skenes?
When the Seattle Mariners called Kade Anderson with the third pick in the 2025 MLB Draft, it was déjà vu, with a flashback to Paul Skenes just two years ago: both playing for the LSU Tigers, both winning the College World Series, both receiving Most Outstanding Player honors—and now, both in the spotlight.
The parallels between Anderson and Skenes’ journeys are obvious. Skenes rocked the baseball world by going just 133 days from being drafted to making his MLB debut with the Pittsburgh Pirates. How long will it take Anderson?
A quick climb to the Big Leagues?
If Anderson can maintain the blistering form he had in the 2025 CWS—where he threw 14-plus innings without allowing a run and racking up 20 strikeouts—then the Mariners have every reason to accelerate his development. Seattle is lacking depth at pitching, and a “ripe” talent like Anderson could be the perfect fit.
MLB Network analysts say Anderson is slightly better than Skenes in terms of pitching technique: his fastball has more spin, his strike zone control is more impressive. However, the psychological factor and pressure of moving up to MLB quickly are still big questions.
Will history repeat itself?
Paul Skenes has made history with his breakneck pace and is currently a mainstay for the Pirates. Kade Anderson has the opportunity to repeat that feat – and even surpass it. His story is just beginning, but all signs point to: MLB is about to welcome a new “monster” to the top of the mound.