Paul Skenes, the first overall pick in the 2023 MLB draft, has started his professional pitching career with a historic pace. After 46 starts, his career earned run average (ERA) stands at an impressive 1.99, the lowest recorded by any pitcher since the live ball era began in 1920, more than a century ago.

Before Skenes, the closest to this achievement was Vida Blue of the Oakland Athletics, who held a 2.03 ERA over his first 46 starts from 1969 to 1971.

Pittsburgh Pirates Struggle Despite Skenes’ Success

While Skenes excels on the mound, the Pittsburgh Pirates have underperformed as a team, winning just 125 out of 277 games since the end of the previous season. This results in a winning percentage of .451, reflecting their struggles to build a competitive roster around him.

Ownership Cited as Factor in Team’s Limitations

The challenges faced by the Pirates are often linked to team owner Bob Nutting. Nutting, an heir to a publishing empire established by his great-grandfather with Ogden Newspapers in 1890, is estimated to be worth $1.1 billion. Although not the richest MLB owner, his wealth ranks him 21st among team proprietors.

Despite this financial standing, Nutting’s management has kept the Pirates’ player payroll below $100 million since he took control in 2007. The highest payroll under his ownership was $99.6 million in 2016, and the budget for the 2025 season is projected at $83.8 million, placing the Pirates 21st in MLB payroll rankings.

Implications for the Pirates’ Future Prospects

Paul Skenes’ record-breaking start highlights exceptional individual talent but also brings attention to the Pirates’ broader organizational challenges. The team’s financial constraints under Bob Nutting’s ownership raise questions about their ability to support and retain elite players necessary for sustained success. Moving forward, the Pirates must address ownership and payroll issues to build a stronger competitive foundation around Skenes and improve their on-field performance.