As the 2025 MLB trade deadline approaches, the Pittsburgh Pirates confront a difficult decision regarding Paul Skenes. The reigning National League Rookie of the Year has lowered his ERA to a noteworthy 1.91, yet his 5-8 record highlights the Pirates’ glaring deficiencies in offense, leaving the team stuck at 42-62. With such a weak lineup, the discussion around potentially trading Skenes gains momentum, despite his status as a generational pitching talent under contract through 2029. The club’s front office now faces a complex dilemma balancing immediate competitiveness against future prospects.
Expert Opinions Highlight the Stakes for Pittsburgh
Veteran analyst Paul Zeise from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette presents a blunt perspective on the Pirates’ situation, pushing fans and management alike to consider uncomfortable realities. He argues that Pittsburgh may eventually have to part ways with Skenes, not now for a minimal return, but perhaps by the offseason when the current window for a long-term contract disappears.
“The Pirates should give up. I am not saying the Pirates should dump Skenes for nothing, and maybe the proper time to trade him would be the offseason. But there is zero chance they will sign him to a long-term deal when he becomes a free agent, so he won’t be available to them when they are ready to start winning again.”
—Paul Zeise, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Zeise further emphasizes Skenes’ value and the potential window for maximizing returns through a trade before it is too late.
“Skenes is the best pitcher in baseball and worth the price of admission on his own, but he isn’t going to be a part of the Pirates in 2028 and 2029. There is no reason not to at least see what teams are willing to give up for him.”
—Paul Zeise, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Inside the Front Office and Trade Rumors
Despite circulating trade rumors, including reports from MLB insider Jim Bowden that multiple general managers are preparing serious offers for Skenes, Pittsburgh’s leadership has remained guarded. General Manager Ben Cherington insisted in May that trading Skenes was
“not at all part of the conversation.”
Similarly, Skenes himself has downplayed the speculation, remarking, “Anybody can play GM.”
However, owner Bob Nutting’s reputation for caution with payroll and the team’s ongoing struggles make the possibility of a trade more plausible. Observers like ESPN’s Jeff Passan have noted the strategic reality that if the Pirates cannot secure Skenes on a long-term deal, moving him before losing him to free agency might be the sensible route.
“Pirates cannot secure Skenes long-term, they should consider a trade before losing him in free agency.”
—Jeff Passan, ESPN
Trade Deadline Implications and Team Future
Skenes currently remains under team control for over four more years at a very modest salary of $875,000, making him an extremely valuable asset. Trading him could bring back a package of prospects and players that would significantly bolster both the major league roster and the Pirates’ depleted farm system. This potential haul could reshape the organization’s direction well beyond the 2025 season.
Nevertheless, a trade would risk alienating the fan base, who see Skenes as the cornerstone for future success. The Pirates must weigh short-term frustration against long-term rebuilding prospects, a choice that creates tension within and outside the clubhouse.
The Difficult Road Ahead for the Pittsburgh Pirates
The Pirates’ predicament reflects deeper structural challenges, including an offense ranked worst in the National League. While Skenes continues to demonstrate dominance on the mound, his successes have been overshadowed by team shortcomings and owner hesitancy to invest heavily in free agents or trades.
As the July 31 trade deadline approaches, the Pirates’ front office, led by Ben Cherington, confronts tough questions: Should they gamble on retaining Skenes and risk losing him for nothing after 2029? Or should they pursue a trade now to secure assets for rebuilding? Each option carries significant risks and rewards, casting an anxious shadow over Pittsburgh’s immediate and future plans.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Has anyone found the Paul Skenes card?
A. PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — An 11-year-old from California discovered a unique Paul Skenes baseball card. The Pirates have sought this card, offering 30 years of home plate season tickets in return.
Q. How many times has Paul Skenes thrown over 100?
A. He has thrown 100 mph or faster on 98 occasions. The next closest in Triple-A has done it 37 times by May 8.
In Major League Baseball, Mason Miller is the only one near him with 97 pitches reaching 100 mph or more.
Q. Did anyone find Paul Skenes’ patch card?
A. Excitement around Skenes led collectors on a lively hunt for his unique rookie card. An 11-year-old Dodgers fan from Los Angeles found it on Christmas morning. The Pirates promised a reward for whoever discovered the Skenes card.
Q. How much money is the Paul Skenes card?
A. On Thursday, Topps, a trading card company, shared that a card discovered by a California boy in a Topps Chrome Update pack in January sold for $1.1 million. The card features a uniform patch from Skenes’ No. 30 jersey worn during his rookie debut, as well as his signature.