Overview
- On The Dan Patrick Show, Skenes said the report that he wants to play for the Yankees is "obviously not true."
- He reiterated a desire to build something in Pittsburgh, saying leaving before real progress would leave a bad taste.
- Skenes remains under Pirates control through 2029 and is not arbitration‑eligible until 2027, limiting near‑term mobility.
- Pirates GM Ben Cherington said Skenes will be a Pirate in 2026, while Jeff Passan and Robert Murray indicated a move is not expected.
- Writers note the Yankees and others lack a realistic trade package as Skenes comes off a unanimous 2025 NL Cy Young season with a sub‑2.00 ERA.