Trade rumors in Major League Baseball pop up as often as a ball hitting the glove. Lately, the Pittsburgh Pirates have landed right in the middle of the buzz, especially when it comes to their ace, Paul Skenes.
Even with all the chatter, Skenes just keeps his head down and pitches. Let’s take a look at what’s swirling around Skenes, his recent dominance, and what it might mean for the Pirates going forward.
Paul Skenes: A Rising Star in Pittsburgh
Paul Skenes is already a big name in Pittsburgh—and honestly, across the league. The 22-year-old right-hander, who went first overall in the 2023 draft, has more than lived up to the early hype.
Since debuting last May, he’s put together one impressive outing after another. That performance helped him snag National League Rookie of the Year.
Performance on the Mound
Lately, Skenes has been on another level. Just five days after tossing the first complete game of his career (even if it ended in a 1-0 loss to the Phillies), he stifled the Milwaukee Brewers for six innings.
In that start, he gave up just one run on four hits, walked two, and struck out eight. Even when the Pirates struggle, Skenes keeps showing why he’s special.
Stellar Stats
- ERA: 2.32 across his five May starts
- Strikeouts: Eight in his recent game against the Brewers
- Complete Games: First complete game in a 1-0 loss to the Phillies
Trade Rumors and Team Dynamics
Even with Skenes pitching like a star, rumors keep swirling about a possible trade. Some fans and pundits wonder if the Pirates might deal him to get much-needed help in the lineup.
General Manager Ben Cherington, though, has said trading Skenes isn’t even on the table. Still, the speculation keeps coming, especially with the team’s struggles at the plate.
Ben Cherington’s Stance
According to Cherington, moving Skenes is “not at all part of the conversation.” The Pirates sit last in the majors in runs, with just 157 to their name, and they don’t have a top position player prospect ready to step in.
Cherington keeps saying the focus is on building a winning team, and trading away their ace just doesn’t fit that plan.
Skenes’ Response
When reporters asked about all the trade talk, Skenes didn’t seem bothered. He pointed out that “anybody can play GM,” but that doesn’t make it real news.
He’s learned to tune out the noise and just pitch. If the Pirates ever did trade him, he says he wouldn’t take it personally—he gets that Cherington has to do what’s best for the team.
The Pirates’ Struggles and Future Prospects
The Pirates haven’t had the smoothest start to the 2025 season. They tied a league record by going 26 games in a row without scoring more than four runs.
Still, there have been a few bright spots. Their recent 6-5, 10-inning win over the Brewers actually felt like a breath of fresh air.
Offensive Woes
The offense has just not clicked. Pittsburgh ranks dead last in runs scored, and the lineup hasn’t given much support to the pitching staff.
That lack of production has made things even tougher for guys like Skenes, who already carry a heavy load.
Building for the Future
Even with all the bumps, there’s a bit of hope. Skenes thinks there’s been “a little bit more fight” since Don Kelly took over as manager.
Plus, Skenes is building some real chemistry with catcher Henry Davis, the top pick from 2021. That partnership could be a big deal for the Pirates going forward.
Conclusion
Paul Skenes’ journey with the Pittsburgh Pirates really shows off both his talent and resilience. Trade rumors keep swirling, but Skenes just keeps his head down and focuses on his game.
The Pirates definitely have some big challenges ahead. Still, you can see the potential for growth—maybe even some real success if things break their way.
Right now, Skenes is shining on the mound. He gives Pittsburgh fans something to root for, maybe even a little hope for the future.
If you’re curious about the latest trade chatter and Skenes’ take on it, check out the full article on ESPN.
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