Pirates Face Pressure to Spend as Paul Skenes Wins NL Cy Young

The Pittsburgh Pirates ended the 2025 season with a 71-91 record, finishing last in the NL Central. Despite the team’s struggles, ace pitcher Paul Skenes emerged as one of baseball’s brightest stars, capturing the National League Cy Young Award in just his second MLB season. His meteoric rise has renewed hope among fans that the organization might finally spend to construct a winning roster around him.

Amid the optimism and speculation, sports analyst Pat McAfee offered a pointed commentary on the Pirates’ history of limited spending. Speaking in Pittsburgh ahead of ESPN’s College Gameday coverage of the Panthers’ matchup against Notre Dame, McAfee praised Skenes’ accomplishments while jokingly highlighting the team’s frugal reputation.

“But you also think to yourself, ‘Well, that’s a damn good sports town,’” McAfee said. “Now, it’s not just a sports town. Even though we have history in abundance, we even have baseball history. Paul Skenes just won the Cy Young. He’s the best player in baseball, that’s sick.”

He continued, “What’s going on with the Pirates is that they don’t spend any money, so they never actually win… We got Paul Skenes, so we would like to go on a historic run in PNC Park, the most beautiful ballpark in all of MLB.”

1. Offseason Payroll Speculation

While the Pirates have historically been conservative in payroll, recent reports suggest this offseason could mark a departure. Bob Nightengale of USA Today reported that the team is “expected to add at least $30 million to their payroll for 2026,” signaling a potential shift in strategy to complement Skenes’ talent. The organization is one of baseball’s most profitable franchises, and an increase in payroll would align with fan expectations for a competitive roster around their young star. After two seasons of rebuilding, the Pirates may finally be positioned to supplement their core with additional talent. Adding payroll flexibility could allow Pittsburgh to pursue both free agents and extensions for key contributors, giving the team a stronger foundation in the National League. This would mark a stark contrast to recent winters, when the team’s spending approach drew criticism despite profitable operations. The potential payroll increase also creates excitement among fans, who have long endured sub-.500 seasons. With Skenes as a centerpiece, the Pirates have a chance to change the narrative and contend more consistently in the NL Central.

2. Skenes as the Cornerstone

Paul Skenes’ rapid rise from a 2023 first overall pick to 2025 Cy Young winner underscores his importance to Pittsburgh’s future. The pitcher has become the cornerstone around which the organization could structure its roster, combining elite performance with the star power to galvanize a rebuilding franchise. Skenes has already made history in Pittsburgh, becoming a fan favorite and drawing national attention to a team that has long struggled to compete. His presence on the mound provides hope that the Pirates can transform from perennial underachievers into a playoff-caliber team. The offseason decisions regarding payroll, free-agent signings, and internal promotions will determine whether Skenes can remain the centerpiece of a contending team or if the franchise risks losing momentum by failing to invest in surrounding talent. As Pittsburgh looks toward 2026, all eyes are on management and how they plan to leverage their most valuable asset. The combination of Skenes’ talent and a possible financial commitment could mark a turning point for the Pirates and their long-suffering fanbase.

3. Outlook for 2026

With rumors of a $30 million payroll increase and Skenes anchoring the rotation, the Pirates have an opportunity to reshape expectations in 2026. The organization must carefully balance investing in talent with sustainable financial management to maximize the impact of their young star. If management commits to building around Skenes, the Pirates could emerge as a legitimate contender in the NL Central, potentially ending years of frustration for fans and creating momentum for sustained success. The challenge remains whether ownership and the front office are willing to match ambition with action. Skenes’ presence offers a rare chance to convert talent into wins, but it requires a corresponding willingness to spend and invest strategically. For a franchise historically criticized for frugality, the upcoming offseason could define a new era—one where Pittsburgh finally pairs elite talent with the financial resources needed to compete at the highest level.