But the game featured an intriguing matchup within the matchup: two starting pitchers with vastly different backgrounds and histories who happened to be leading contenders for the Rookie of the Year Award in their respective leagues to the mound opposite each other.

Paul Skenes and Luis Gil capped off their legendary rookie seasons with one of the game's top honors. Skenes, the Pittsburgh Pirates ace, has been named the 2024 National League Rookie of the Year, winning the award over San Diego Padres outfielder Jackson Merrill and Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Jackson Chourio.