Pittsburgh Pirates Focus on Building Around Paul Skenes This Offseason

The Pittsburgh Pirates, led by young star Paul Skenes, are committed to building around him this offseason, with increased financial flexibility offering the potential for significant roster improvements.

After a disappointing 71-91 finish in 2025, the Pittsburgh Pirates enter the 2026 offseason at a crossroads. The team is facing significant decisions about whether to trade ace Paul Skenes or invest in the future by building around him.

Despite trade rumors, the Pirates seem poised to retain Skenes, with general manager Ben Cherington expressing confidence in the team’s ability to make moves this offseason. With more financial flexibility than in previous years, the Pirates have a chance to make improvements and strengthen their roster.

Skenes, the 2024 first overall pick, has quickly become one of the league’s most dominant pitchers. His future in Pittsburgh has been widely discussed, but recent reports indicate that the Pirates are not entertaining trade offers for the young ace. The question now is whether the team will fully embrace its newfound spending flexibility to build a competitive roster around Skenes.

1. Financial Flexibility: A New Era for the Pirates

Pittsburgh’s increased financial flexibility this offseason signals a potential shift in their approach to roster construction and free-agent spending. Historically, the Pirates have been known for operating with one of the lowest payrolls in Major League Baseball, often limiting their ability to compete for top talent. However, this offseason marks a shift, as general manager Ben Cherington confirmed that the team has more financial room to maneuver than in previous years. While the final budget for 2026 is still uncertain, Cherington expressed optimism that the Pirates would be active in trade discussions and free-agent signings to improve the roster. This change in financial outlook could allow the Pirates to target key players who could bolster the team’s performance, particularly in the bullpen and lineup. While Pittsburgh has often relied on developing homegrown talent, the Pirates may now look to add proven veterans to complement their young core. For fans who have long hoped for more investment in the team, this shift represents a significant opportunity. If the Pirates follow through on their spending flexibility, they could emerge as a more competitive force in the National League, potentially reversing the trend of low payrolls and underperformance.

2. Paul Skenes’ Future: A Key Focus for the Pirates

Despite trade rumors, insiders suggest the Pirates are committed to keeping Paul Skenes, who represents the future of the franchise. Paul Skenes has quickly emerged as one of the brightest young pitchers in baseball, and there has been significant debate about whether the Pirates will trade him for additional assets. However, reports indicate that the Pirates are unlikely to entertain offers for their young ace. According to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, the team “won’t even listen” to trade proposals for Skenes, suggesting that they are fully committed to keeping him as the cornerstone of their pitching staff. Jeff Passan of ESPN emphasized that the Pirates’ fanbase is desperate for a reason to invest in the team, and Skenes could be that reason. The young pitcher provides a sense of hope for a franchise that has struggled in recent years, and retaining him would signal that the Pirates are serious about building a competitive team. Fans and analysts alike are watching closely to see if the team will follow through on this commitment and invest in the surrounding roster. By choosing to build around Skenes, the Pirates are signaling their intent to develop a winning culture. However, this will only be effective if the team also makes strategic moves to improve other areas of the roster.

3. The Road Ahead: Will the Pirates Invest in Their Future?

The Pirates have the financial flexibility to improve this offseason, but the key question remains: Will ownership fully commit to investing in the team’s future? With Paul Skenes as their centerpiece, the Pirates are at a critical juncture. The increased financial flexibility this offseason gives the team an opportunity to address key needs and bolster their chances of competing in 2026. While the Pirates have historically been cautious in their spending, the shift in financial strategy could mark a new era for the franchise. However, the Pirates’ future will depend on whether ownership is willing to fully invest in the team’s success. If they commit to spending on quality players, particularly in areas like the bullpen and lineup, the Pirates could become a legitimate contender in the National League. The key to their success will be how they use their newfound financial flexibility to complement Skenes and build a competitive roster. In the end, the Pirates’ offseason moves will define their trajectory for the coming seasons. With Skenes leading the way, they have the potential to turn things around, but only if they make the necessary investments to support their young ace.