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4mo ago

Pirates GM Reaffirms Paul Skenes Is Not on the Trade Block

Amid trade speculation, Pittsburgh insists on building around their star pitcher despite offensive struggles and a last-place standing.

May 18, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Paul Skenes (30) looks on against the Philadelphia Phillies in the ninth inning at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 12: Paul Skenes #30 of the Pittsburgh Pirates in action against the New York Mets at Citi Field on May 12, 2025 in New York City. The Mets defeated the Pirates 4-3.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 25: Paul Skenes #30 of the Pittsburgh Pirates after the third out in the first inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on April 25, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.
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Overview

  • General Manager Ben Cherington stated that trading Paul Skenes is "not at all part of the conversation," dismissing rumors fueled by recent media reports.
  • Skenes, reigning NL Rookie of the Year, remains under team control through 2029 at a below-market salary, making him a cornerstone for the franchise.
  • The Pirates' offense has been historically poor, ranking last or near-last in major statistical categories and tying a record with 26 consecutive games scoring four runs or fewer.
  • Skenes himself downplayed the trade chatter, quipping "Anybody can play GM" and reiterating his focus on performing for the team.
  • Cherington emphasized the need for internal position-player prospects to step up as the team seeks to improve without trading its generational pitching talent.