Paul Skenes Wins Cy Young, Reaffirms Commitment to Pirates

Paul Skenes added the National League Cy Young Award to his growing list of accomplishments but also had to address speculation regarding his future with the Pittsburgh Pirates. The star right-hander, under team control through 2029, pushed back against reports that he is seeking a trade, specifically to the New York Yankees.

“I don’t know where that came from,” Skenes said Wednesday night. “The goal is to win, and the goal is to win in Pittsburgh.” He downplayed the report, which cited an anonymous teammate claiming Skenes wants to leave the team, saying he “didn’t think much about it.”

Skenes also reflected on the perception of the Pirates as perennial underdogs. “The way that fans see us outside of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh is not supposed to win,” he said. “I want to be a part of the 26 guys that change that.”

Despite the team finishing last in the National League Central at 71–91, Skenes expressed confidence in Pittsburgh’s trajectory and his personal goal of contributing to multiple World Series titles with the club.

1. Trade Rumors Addressed

Skenes’ comments came after general manager Ben Cherington also rejected notions that the pitcher is planning to leave. Cherington acknowledged that other teams have inquired about Skenes, but he emphasized that the conversations have always been brief and respectful. “The question gets asked, and it’s always respectful,” Cherington said at the MLB general managers meetings. “Teams have to ask the question. I suspect that won’t end. But the answer’s been consistent.” Skenes, the first overall pick in the 2023 amateur draft, reiterated that his focus remains on winning in Pittsburgh. He dismissed reports linking him to the Yankees or other franchises, framing the speculation as media noise rather than a reflection of his intentions. By pushing back publicly, Skenes hopes to reassure fans and teammates that his priority is the Pirates’ success, not personal gain or a move to a larger market.

2. Record-Breaking Season

Despite Pittsburgh’s struggles, Skenes had a remarkable 2025 campaign, leading the majors with a 1.97 ERA and striking out 216 batters in 187⅓ innings during his first full season. His dominance earned him unanimous recognition as the NL Cy Young winner. Skenes also became the first pitcher since Dwight Gooden in the 1980s to win Rookie of the Year and then a Cy Young Award in consecutive seasons, cementing his status as one of baseball’s brightest young stars. While his 10–10 record might not seem impressive, it reflected the Pirates’ offensive struggles rather than Skenes’ pitching ability. He finished strong, winning three of his final four starts to avoid becoming the first Cy Young-winning starter with a losing record. Even with the team out of playoff contention, Skenes said the season allowed him to experiment with new pitches and strategies, a silver lining in a year that ended short of postseason hopes.

3. Looking Forward with the Pirates

Skenes’ focus remains firmly on building toward team success rather than individual accolades. He stressed that his goal is to win championships with Pittsburgh, signaling that the Cy Young Award is a milestone, not an endpoint. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to develop as a player in a low-pressure environment late in the season. “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,” Skenes said. The Pirates, while still rebuilding, benefit from having a foundational star under contract for years to come. Skenes’ presence provides both on-field performance and a message to the fan base about long-term commitment. As Pittsburgh plans its future, Skenes’ leadership and excellence set the tone for what the organization hopes will be sustained competitiveness in the National League.