The Pirates' Dilemma: A Star Pitcher's Future Uncertain
In the world of baseball, the Pittsburgh Pirates have a gem in their roster with right-handed pitcher Paul Skenes. However, the question remains: how long will this talented player remain with the franchise? Let's dive into the intriguing situation surrounding Skenes and the Pirates.
Jim Bowden, a renowned analyst from The Athletic, gave the Pirates an impressive 'A-' grade for their off-season moves. He praised the team for strengthening their lineup, which now includes Skenes, a key asset in their starting rotation. But here's where it gets controversial... Bowden also highlighted the Pirates' potential dilemma regarding Skenes' future.
"If the Pirates aren't in the postseason race by the trade deadline, will they reconsider their stance on trading Paul Skenes, who still has three and a half years of control left?" Bowden questioned.
Would the Pirates really consider trading their star pitcher? Let's explore the possibilities.
Ben Cherington, the Pirates' general manager, has consistently stated that Skenes is not up for trade. This stance is likely to remain unchanged this season, but the team has made significant additions to their roster, including power-hitters like second baseman Brandon Lowe and free agent Ryan O'Hearn. Outfielders Jake Mangum and top prospect Jhostynxon García have also joined the team, along with left-handed relief pitchers Mason Montgomery and Gregory Soto, bolstering their bullpen.
Skenes, the 2025 National League Cy Young Award winner, had a record of 10-10, which was largely influenced by the Pirates' poor hitting performance. They ranked among the worst hitting teams in baseball, struggling with slugging percentage, OPS, runs scored, RBI, and home runs.
With these new additions and the improvement of internal players like first baseman Spencer Horwitz, center fielder Oneil Cruz, and right fielder Bryan Reynolds, the Pirates aim to transform into a formidable offensive force, complementing their already great rotation.
Skenes, with the lowest ERA of any pitcher through their first 55 starts at 1.96, is expected to thrive with these changes. However, if things don't go as planned, the Pirates might be faced with a tough decision regarding his future.
Looking ahead, Skenes is in his final year of pre-arbitration, where the Pirates will pay him a relatively low salary of around $1 million. After that, he enters three years of arbitration, where his salary will be determined by a panel, unless the team and Skenes reach an agreement beforehand.
The recent arbitration case of American League Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal, who won a historic $32.5 million this season, sets a precedent. Skubal's case could impact Skenes' future, as he is already one of the best pitchers in the game and is likely to command much higher salaries.
Another factor to consider is the impending lockout on December 1st, unless MLB and the players' union reach a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA). This could potentially shut down baseball for the entire 2027 season, making 2026 Skenes' last full season with the Pirates, especially if the team feels his arbitration numbers are too high.
Pittsburgh could opt for a contract extension to avoid arbitration, but this is highly unlikely. Skenes is not only seeking the best financial deal but also the team that gives him the best chance of winning.
The Pirates could trade Skenes before his final year of arbitration, acquiring top prospects or MLB-ready players to maintain competitiveness. Alternatively, they could keep Skenes, pay him through arbitration, and build a championship-caliber team around him, giving him the opportunity to win a ring before he becomes a free agent.
The future of Paul Skenes with the Pittsburgh Pirates is an intriguing narrative, and we invite you to join the discussion. Do you think the Pirates should trade Skenes, or is he an integral part of their future success? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
