The Pittsburgh Pirates are confronting another difficult season, largely due to their lackluster offensive performance. While the team boasts a strong pitching foundation developed during the Ben Cherington era, offensive support has been minimal. The Pirates have recently focused their efforts on securing a contract extension for Paul Skenes, one of their top pitchers, as trade deadline pressures mount and the need for a balanced roster grows.
Paul Skenes himself has openly criticized the team’s lack of ambition at the trade deadline, indirectly highlighting the urgency for the Pirates to improve offensively. His blunt comments have added pressure on the front office to make meaningful moves and demonstrate a commitment to building a competitive squad.
Front Office Signals Commitment to Retaining Skenes with Ongoing Contract Negotiations
Dan Zangrilli, the Pirates’ pre- and post-game host, recently appeared on 93.7 The Fan to address the ongoing contract discussions involving Paul Skenes. During the show, Andrew Fillipponi revealed that the Pirates are actively engaging in talks to extend Skenes’ contract. Zangrilli confirmed these efforts while acknowledging the challenge ahead, given the anticipated demands for the young pitcher.
“The Pirates have been in talks with Paul Skenes about a contract extension. They’re trying to get something done.” —Dan Zangrilli, Pirates Host
“Andrew mentioned a rumor that he heard about attempts to do this [extend Skenes]. My response: ‘Yes.’ In that I’ve heard the same. Though, I immediately acknowledged the steep, uphill battle it would be.” —Dan Zangrilli, Pirates Host
Skenes, who won’t be eligible for free agency until 2029, will enter arbitration eligibility after the next season. This split timeline gives the Pirates an opportunity to secure his services on a long-term deal at a lower cost than what future open market bidding would require. However, the path forward is complicated by the rapid rise in Skenes’ value and the risk the Pirates face if they delay negotiations.
Balancing Financial Risk and Reward in Retaining a Rising Star
Paul Skenes’ elite pitching performance already places him among Cy Young candidates, which suggests his arbitration salary could soar annually, potentially reaching record-breaking figures. While some insiders doubt the Pirates will want to commit to the high short-term payroll increases this would entail, the alternative risks losing a key player to major rivals such as the Yankees or Dodgers, which would be a significant blow to the organization’s rebuilding efforts.
The Pirates’ best strategic move is to finalize a long-term contract extension soon, locking in Skenes while his cost remains manageable and giving him an immediate financial reward rather than waiting years for a massive free-agent payday. This deal could anchor the team’s pitching rotation and provide stability as they attempt to bolster offensive support in the coming seasons.
Paul Skenes’ Recent Performance Highlights His Rising Status
July was an extraordinary month for Skenes, one in which he reinforced his status as one of the league’s premier pitchers. At just 23 years old, Skenes earned his second straight All-Star selection and secured the National League Pitcher of the Month award for the first time. Throughout July, he allowed only two runs over 27 innings across five starts, posting an incredibly low 0.67 ERA.
During this stretch, four of his five outings were scoreless, and he struck out 36 batters while conceding only one home run. His Fielding Independent Pitching (FIP) stood at a remarkable 1.70 by the end of the month. The only blemish among these dominant performances was a mid-July game against the Minnesota Twins, where Trevor Larnach hit a two-run home run off him.
Despite his dominance, Skenes’ win-loss record in July was 2-1, with two no-decisions. This reflects the limited offensive run support he received, which, combined with cautious management from Pirates’ manager Don Kelly, who has been restricting Skenes’ workload, has capped his appearances to a maximum of just over five innings in most outings.
Achieving the National League Pitcher of the Month distinction makes Skenes only the eighth Pirates player to receive this honor, underscoring his significance to the club’s future despite growing concerns about how the team is managing his talent.
Implications of the Pirates’ Offensive Weakness on Skenes’ Value
Skenes’ frustration with the Pirates’ offensive shortcomings raises a critical question: is his undeniable talent being wasted on an underperforming team? While the pitching arm is exceptional, the lack of run production has hindered the team’s results and, by extension, limited Skenes’ opportunity for more wins.
As the Pirates navigate these challenges, securing Skenes through a timely contract extension will be vital to maintaining a core around which to build improved offensive support. Failing to do so risks not only losing the 23-year-old standout when he becomes a free agent but also undermining the broader ambition to develop a consistent contender in the coming years.
Looking Ahead: Pirates’ Strategy Amid Increasing Pressure
With trade deadline frustration apparent and offensive challenges ongoing, the Pirates’ front office faces intense pressure to act decisively. Locking in Paul Skenes with a contract extension could provide a foundation for stability and send a message of commitment to both fans and potential roster additions.
The financial and competitive stakes are high; a successful extension would safeguard a valuable asset and allow the team to focus on addressing offensive deficiencies in the offseason. Conversely, hesitation could lead to losing Skenes to rival clubs eager to capitalize on his burgeoning talent.
Ultimately, the Pirates’ ability to navigate these complex dynamics will shape their trajectory over the next several seasons, influencing their chances to transform a pitching powerhouse into a balanced, winning team.