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Paul Skenes could be MLB's ticket to Gen Z. The Pirates ace will face it on his terms

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Paul Skenes is the reigning National League Rookie of the Year.

The 22-year-old Pittsburgh Pirates ace is trying to take his burgeoning fame in stride.

He's still getting used to the outsized attention he's commanded since making his debut last May .

He has a fastball that regularly hits triple digits to a “splinker” that sends baseball purists scrambling for superlatives.

Baseball's Next Big Thing is more intent on chasing greatness instead of chasing greatness.

Skenes is aware he is supremely gifted and doesn't take those gifts for granted.

He is willing to do what he can to promote the game up to a point, but there's a line he is intent on holding.

The early returns from spring training have been promising.