Pirates Firmly Stand Pat: Paul Skenes Will Not Be Traded
Las Vegas, NV - November 12, 2025 – Despite ongoing speculation, the Pittsburgh Pirates are unequivocally committed to retaining star pitcher Paul Skenes, General Manager Ben Cherington affirmed Tuesday at the MLB General Managers Meetings. This decisive stance effectively removes one of the most impactful potential moves of the offseason, and signals a clear direction for the franchise.
Cherington acknowledged a steady stream of inquiries from rival teams regarding Skenes’ availability. Though, he stated thes conversations are consistently brief. “The question gets asked,and it’s always respectful,” Cherington explained. “Teams have to ask. But the answer’s been consistent.”
Why the Interest in Skenes?
the persistent trade talk surrounding the 23-year-old right-hander is understandable. Skenes has rapidly established himself as arguably the best pitcher in baseball after just two major league seasons. He’s a generational talent, and a cornerstone player any team would covet.
Yet,despite Skenes’ individual brilliance,the Pirates have struggled to translate his performance into team success. They finished last in the National League Central for the second consecutive year, posting a disappointing 71-91 record in 2025 – a five-game decline from the previous season.
Skenes himself is a frontrunner for the NL Cy Young Award, set to be announced Thursday, after leading the majors with a remarkable 1.97 ERA across 187 innings and 32 starts. He also earned another All-Star selection.
A Building Block, Not a Trade Chip
Despite the temptation of a massive return in a trade, the Pirates organization views Skenes as integral to their long-term rebuilding efforts. They believe he’s the foundation upon which a competitive team can be built,and are focused on surrounding him with the necessary support.
“We believe our pitching is a strength,” Cherington stated. “Doesn’t mean we wouldn’t want to add more pitching, but run scoring was the thing that got in our way more than anything.And we’ve got to add to that.”
Focusing on Offensive Betterment
Instead of dismantling their pitching core, the Pirates will prioritize bolstering their offence this offseason. They’ve identified run production as the primary area needing improvement. The team finished dead last in MLB in runs scored and 29th in wRC+ in 2025.
Cherington indicated the team has gained “payroll flexibility” allowing them to pursue offensive upgrades.
Looking Ahead: A Promising Rotation
Beyond Skenes, the Pirates boast a promising pitching staff. This includes veteran right-hander Mitch Keller and highly-touted prospect Bubba chandler.
* Paul Skenes: The ace, and Cy Young contender.
* Mitch Keller: A proven veteran providing stability.
* Bubba Chandler: A rising star with significant potential.
the Pirates are expected to remain opportunistic in exploring pitching additions, but their primary focus will be on providing Skenes and the rest of the staff with the run support they need to compete.
Ultimately, the pirates’ decision to hold onto Paul Skenes demonstrates a commitment to a long-term vision. They are betting on building a sustainable contender around their young ace, rather than opting for a quick fix through a blockbuster trade.
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