The Yankees are ready to face “Beast” rookie Paul Skenes in their final start

Saturday may not matter when it comes to the postseason for the Yankees.

But it will have some significance – it will be their first look at Pirates phenom Paul Skenes.

“He was one of the big stories of this season,” manager Aaron Boone said Friday before the two teams opened a three-game series in the Bronx to close out the regular season. “There is no doubt he made a tremendous impact by starting the All-Star Game and putting together a great season.”

The 22-year-old Skenes is one of the leading candidates for NL Rookie of the Year alongside Padres outfielder Jackson Merrill and one of the league’s most dominant pitchers.

The fiery, 6-foot-1 right-hander has a celebrity girlfriend (LSU gymnast and social media superstar Livvy Dunne) and an absurdly dominant arsenal.

Even before his big league debut on May 11, Skenes was heavily hyped and has exceeded even the highest expectations.

He was the fifth rookie to start the All-Star Game in July and is 11-3 with a 1.99 ERA, 0.96 WHIP and 167 strikeouts (a Pirates rookie record) in 131 innings pitched Start the season.

This will be his New York City debut.

The first overall pick in the 2023 draft, Skenes faced the Mets on July 5 in Pittsburgh and limited them to two earned runs over seven innings on four hits in a win.

Skenes is the first pitcher in the modern era to have an ERA below 2.20 with 150 strikeouts in his first 21 appearances.

“He’s a beast and the things he’s doing right now at his age are insane. I just want to see what he can do in a full season,” said Pirates infielder Isiah Kiner-Falefa, who spent two seasons with the Yankees. “I’m looking forward to playing with him next year and watching him continue to grow. He opened our window alone. It’s pretty cool.

“His work ethic (stands out). He doesn’t act like a newbie. He doesn’t act justified. He acts like he’s a normal, humble guy who always wants to get better and has a space. For a young man his age – he’s won a national title, is the first overall pick, this is his first year in (the major leagues) – you’d think he’d be walking around with a big head. He is the opposite.

“He goes about his business like a true veteran. It’s refreshing to see.”