Paul Skenes, the Pittsburgh Pirates’ standout pitcher, has firmly rejected ongoing trade rumors despite the team’s disappointing start to the MLB season. Since making his debut a little over a year ago, Skenes has earned an All-Star selection, the National League Rookie of the Year award, and placed third in the Cy Young voting. Even with these accolades, persistent trade talk has been fueled by the Pirates’ poor 19-36 record, although General Manager Ben Cherington made it clear last week that trades involving Skenes were
“not part of the conversation at all.”
Asked about the speculation, Skenes remained unfazed Friday, stating,
“It doesn’t affect anything. Anybody can play GM.”
—Paul Skenes
Strong performance from Skenes contrasts with team’s offensive woes
Despite trade talks, Skenes has proven to be the ace the Pirates hoped for, boasting a 2.36 ERA over his initial 11 starts this season. However, his personal win-loss record stands at 3-5, including a stretch without a win since April 25, even though he maintained a 2.32 ERA across five May outings. The disconnect between his solid pitching and lack of wins highlights that Skenes is not responsible for the team’s struggles.
The root of the Pirates’ difficulties is clear elsewhere, particularly on offense. Pittsburgh ranks last in the league in total runs scored, managing just 164 runs this season—fewer than even the Colorado Rockies, who have secured only nine wins but scored 173 runs. The bullpen has contributed to problems, but the severe lack of offensive production remains the primary barrier to victory.
What the Pirates’ future depends on as trade rumors persist
The ongoing speculation surrounding a potential trade of Skenes reflects frustration with the Pirates’ losing record, but trading a generational talent locked under team control through 2030 would be highly unlikely. Constructing a competitive team around Skenes depends on improving the offense, a need painfully unmet during the last offseason.
The Pirates must focus on building a stronger overall roster if they hope to capitalize on Skenes’ talent. As Skenes remarked on the trade rumors, they lack substance:
“There’s no substance to just all that talk that you hear on social media and news outlets and stuff like that.”
—Paul Skenes
With trade talk unlikely to dissipate as the Pirates struggle, the key to their turnaround lies in meaningful roster improvements and strategic management decisions moving forward.