The Pittsburgh Pirates continue to suffer through a difficult season, holding a troubling 39-58 record and sitting last in the National League Central division, 18.5 games behind the leaders, the Chicago Cubs. Their offensive struggles have been especially pronounced, with one of the lowest weighted runs created plus (wRC+) ratings in Major League Baseball. Amid this ongoing team underperformance, attention has turned squarely toward their star pitcher, Paul Skenes, as calls grow louder from unexpected corners urging <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/baseball/mlb/”>MLB to remove him from the Pirates’ floundering roster.
The situation surrounding Skenes has intensified over recent months, despite consistent denials of trade talks from both the player and Pittsburgh’s front office. The team‘s reluctance to make required investments, coupled with owner Bob Nutting’s famously hands-off approach to fielding a competitive squad, has fueled speculation about his future. Skenes, widely regarded as one of the most promising young pitchers in the league, arguably deserves a significant contract extension based on his performance. However, if the Pirates fail to commit to such a deal, many other MLB clubs may be eager to secure his services.
NBA Veteran Josh Hart Publicly Calls for MLB Intervention
Recognizing the urgency of the matter, NBA player Josh Hart, currently with the New York Knicks, made a striking public appeal for MLB to intervene on behalf of Skenes. Hart responded directly to MLB insider Andrew Fillipponi on Twitter, highlighting the alarming contradiction in Skenes’ July statistics.
Paul Skenes has a 1.20 ERA in July. And he hasn’t won a game since May. You can’t make this stuff up,
—Andrew Fillipponi, MLB Insider
Quoting Fillipponi’s statement, Hart urged the league to step in with this direct call:
For the love of God. This is malpractice…someone make the MLB force a trade.
—Josh Hart, NBA Player
Hart’s frustration points to the core problem: Skenes’ individual excellence is being overshadowed and neglected by the Pirates’ lackluster offense, making it impossible for him to accumulate wins. Fans and analysts alike question why a player of his caliber remains tethered to a team with limited prospects for success this season.
Prospects of a Contract Extension or Trade for Skenes
The recent high-profile trade of Rafael Devers by the Boston Red Sox has reminded the league that bold moves are possible before deadlines. However, Skenes’ situation appears more complicated. The Pirates are unlikely to easily relinquish control of such a valuable asset. Skenes remains under Pittsburgh’s contract control until 2029, with arbitration eligibility not beginning until 2027, making a long-term extension a feasible option at present.
Still, Pittsburgh’s history of allowing star players to leave owing to financial caution keeps fans and observers skeptical. Owner Nutting’s tolerance for mediocrity has been criticized widely, with his comments in the past demonstrating a disinterest in aggressively pursuing winning teams.
The Pirates recently used their sixth overall draft pick on pitcher Seth Hernández, signaling confidence in building their pitching depth but perhaps overlooking the equally vital need to strengthen offensive support around Skenes. This raises questions about the organization’s overall strategy to maximize their young ace’s potential.
Challenges of Retaining Talent Under Current Management
Skenes’ stalled win count since May underscores the Pirates’ inability to provide him with a competitive platform. Without substantial changes—whether that means acquiring offensive talent or actively exploring trade possibilities—the franchise risks alienating one of its few emerging stars.
MLB’s possible intervention in orchestrating a trade might be the last resort for many followers who believe Skenes deserves a roster and city that match his talent and ambitions. Without such action, the Pirates’ fans and Skenes himself may face ongoing frustration, with the risk of wasted potential on a struggling team.
The ongoing saga highlights broader concerns about how teams manage elite young players amid financial and strategic constraints, and whether league authorities should act to prevent talent from being stifled by dysfunctional franchises.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Did anyone pull the Paul Skenes?
A. The family first came into contact with Fanatics Collect on January 2. Nineteen days after this, Topps revealed that an 11-year-old had discovered the Skenes card in one hobby box.
Q. What is Paul Skenes’ salary?
A. In 2023, he received a $9.2 million signing bonus. Then, in 2024, he agreed to a one-year deal with the Pirates, earning $740,000. This contract is pre-arbitration. For the 2025 season, also pre-arbitration, he accepted a salary of $875,000.
Q. How much did Paul Skenes get?
A. Paul Skenes progressed through the minor league system and started playing in the major leagues in 2024. In 2023, he received a signing bonus of $9.2 million. By 2024, he had signed a one-year deal with the Pirates earning $740,000 a year before arbitration.
Q. How much does Paul Skenes get paid?
A. Paul Skenes progressed through the MLB’s farm system and joined the major leagues in 2024. In 2023, he received a signing bonus of $9.2 million. For 2024, he agreed to a one-year deal with the Pirates, earning an annual pre-arbitration salary of $740,000.