Pirates' Ace Paul Skenes: A Trade-Proof Asset
LAS VEGAS — The Pittsburgh Pirates are standing firm on their decision to keep ace pitcher Paul Skenes, who is a top contender for the 2025 National League Cy Young Award. General Manager Ben Cherington confirmed that the team will not trade Skenes this offseason, despite the constant inquiries from other teams.
Skenes, just 23 years old, has been a dominant force on the mound, boasting a 1.97 ERA and a 10-10 record in 32 starts during his second major-league season. His performance has not gone unnoticed, as he led the NL with a 0.948 WHIP. However, the Pirates' overall record of 71-91 in 2025 indicates a team in transition, and it remains to be seen if they can build a competitive roster around Skenes.
The young star, who won the NL Rookie of the Year award last year, is under team control until 2030, as he won't be arbitration-eligible until 2027. With a low luxury tax payroll of $84.4 million in 2025, the Pirates may be cautious about parting with their prized asset, especially given the potential influx of prospects a trade could bring.
The question remains: will the Pirates' commitment to Skenes pay off in the long run? Only time will tell, but for now, the Pirates are sticking to their guns, keeping their ace in the family.
