7 most anticipated pitching debuts in MLB history since 2000

Some MLB prospects are like thunderstorms. You can hear them coming for awhile and still find yourself blown over when they arrive.

The notion of the Next Big Thing making his debut in the show always feels like an event in baseball — and there has seemingly been no shortage of them over the past few years. The talent pool in MLB these days is as full as its ever been with young stars.

Another Next Big Thing was called up to the big leagues this week: Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes. After two years of hype, the LSU product has reached baseball’s highest level.

So in honor his first start, let’s look back at the most anticipated pitching debuts since 2000 in no particular order.