Pirates’ Paul Skenes Shines Amid Franchise Struggles, Rumors Swirl About Future

The 2025 season was another disappointing campaign for the Pittsburgh Pirates, who finished last in the NL Central at 71-91, marking the second consecutive year at the bottom of the division. Early-season struggles prompted the firing of manager Derek Shelton, with Don Kelly stepping in to try to stabilize the team.

Amid the team’s struggles, sophomore ace Paul Skenes continued to shine. Following his NL Rookie of the Year award in 2024, Skenes captured his first NL Cy Young in 2025, cementing his status as one of baseball’s brightest young talents. However, optimism around Skenes’ presence hasn’t been enough to shield fans from skepticism about the Pirates’ playoff prospects.

Former MLB third baseman Trevor Plouffe added fuel to the fire on Friday, telling Pirates fans on X (formerly Twitter) that they should “go play MLB The Show” if they want to envision Skenes on a playoff team. While blunt, Plouffe’s comment reflects the ongoing frustration of a fan base desperate for postseason relevance.

Rumors have swirled about Pittsburgh’s plans for Skenes, with some speculating that general manager Ben Cherington could consider trading the young ace for a blockbuster return. Though the front office denies any active trade discussions, the possibility underscores a broader question: will the Pirates build around Skenes or move him to maximize value while the price is high?

1. Skenes’ Meteoric Rise

Paul Skenes’ journey from number one overall pick in 2023 to Cy Young winner in 2025 has been nothing short of remarkable. In just two seasons, he has already made two NL All-Star Game starts, opened the 2025 season on Opening Day for Pittsburgh, and appeared on the cover of MLB The Show alongside Gunnar Henderson and Elly de la Cruz. His dominance on the mound has made him the kind of player franchises dream of building around. Skenes combines elite strikeout ability with advanced pitching instincts, offering both immediate impact and long-term potential. For a team like Pittsburgh, which has struggled to field competitive rosters, having a talent of Skenes’ caliber is a rare opportunity. In the absence of complementary stars, he has often carried a heavy load for a rebuilding team. Despite the team’s overall struggles, Skenes’ consistency and poise have earned him recognition not just as a standout rookie but as one of the top young pitchers in the league.

2. Trade Rumors and Front Office Dilemmas

Speculation about Skenes’ future has only intensified given his rapid rise. Some analysts suggest the Pirates could leverage his value to acquire multiple high-impact players, a move that could accelerate the team’s rebuild. Front office sources, however, have denied that a trade is imminent. GM Ben Cherington and his staff have repeatedly emphasized the importance of building around Skenes, highlighting that his talent is precisely what Pittsburgh needs for long-term success. Owner Bob Nutting’s willingness to invest in complementary pieces could determine whether the team pushes for immediate contention or takes a more measured approach to growth. The decision will shape the franchise’s trajectory for years to come. Meanwhile, fans remain caught between hope and frustration, torn between enjoying the brilliance of Skenes and fearing that the Pirates’ history of trading young stars could repeat itself.

3. Fan Sentiment and Future Outlook

For Pirates supporters, the excitement of seeing Skenes dominate is tempered by the team’s broader struggles. Plouffe’s remark about playing MLB The Show captures the sense that, without organizational changes and reinforcements, Skenes’ heroics alone cannot carry Pittsburgh to the postseason. The fan base hopes that the front office will commit to building around Skenes, signing complementary hitters and pitchers who can translate his dominance into wins. Strategic investment in free agents or trades could turn Pittsburgh into a contender sooner rather than later. Ultimately, the Pirates face a critical decision: keep Skenes as the cornerstone of a long-term rebuild or explore trade opportunities while his value is at its peak. The choice will have lasting ramifications for both the franchise and its passionate fan base. Regardless of what happens, one thing is certain: Paul Skenes has already left an indelible mark on Pittsburgh baseball and will be a central figure in the team’s story for years to come.