Paul Skenes Addresses Trade Rumors, Reaffirms Commitment to Pittsburgh Pirates
Newly crowned National League Cy Young Award winner Paul Skenes swiftly addressed recent speculation regarding his future with the Pittsburgh Pirates, firmly stating his dedication to building a winning culture in the Steel City. The rising star, fresh off a dominant rookie season, pushed back against a report suggesting he’s actively seeking a trade, specifically to the New York Yankees.
Skenes, still under team control through the end of the decade, emphasized his focus remains on achieving success in pittsburgh.”I don’t know where that came from,” he told reporters Wednesday night. “The goal is to win, and the goal is to win in Pittsburgh.”
Addressing the Trade Talk
the report, citing an anonymous Pirates player, claimed Skenes was “hoping for a trade” before hitting free agency in 2029. Skenes downplayed the suggestion, stating he “didn’t think much about it.”
He articulated a broader vision, one where he’s a key figure in changing the perception of the Pirates. “The way that fans see us outside of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh is not supposed to win,” Skenes explained. “There are 29 fan bases that expect us to lose. I wont to be a part of the 26 guys that change that.”
Pirates Management Backs Skenes
Pittsburgh’s General Manager,Ben cherington,echoed Skenes’ sentiment. He confirmed receiving consistent inquiries from other clubs regarding skenes’ availability, but reiterated his firm stance.
“the question gets asked, and it’s always respectful,” Cherington said at the recent MLB general managers meetings. “Teams have to ask the question. I suspect that won’t end. But the answer’s been consistent.”
A Historic Season, Despite Team Struggles
Skenes’ 2025 season was nothing short of remarkable. He became the first pitcher since Dwight Gooden in the mid-1980s to win Rookie of the Year and a Cy Young Award consecutively.
Here’s a quick look at his remarkable stats:
* ERA: 1.97 (Major League Leading)
* Strikeouts: 216 (in 187 innings)
* Record: 10-10 (a record he improved upon late in the season)
Despite his individual brilliance, the Pirates (71-91) finished last in the National league Central, 26 games behind the Milwaukee Brewers. Interestingly, Skenes nearly became the first Cy Young winner to finish with a losing record, ultimately securing a 10-10 mark with late-season wins.
looking Ahead: A Long-Term Vision
Skenes remains optimistic about the Pirates’ trajectory. He believes the team is closer to contention than many believe and envisions a future filled with multiple World Series championships in Pittsburgh.
He even found a silver lining in the team’s playoff absence. “It allowed me to try some new things in August and September that I wouldn’t have gotten to try if we were playing for the playoffs,” he noted.
Ultimately,Paul Skenes’ message is clear: he’s committed to the Pirates,focused on winning,and persistent to be a cornerstone of a prosperous franchise in Pittsburgh.
This article incorporates facts from ESPN’s Jorge Castillo and The Associated Press.
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