Skenes Praises Pirates’ New City Connect Look as Pittsburgh Debuts Uniforms

The Pittsburgh Pirates introduced their 2026 City Connect uniforms on Friday night in a matchup against the Tampa Bay Rays, marking the first official game appearance for the franchise’s latest alternate design. The reveal drew attention both on the field and from players ahead of first pitch.

Among those weighing in was Pittsburgh’s ace Paul Skenes, who offered a quick but positive reaction to the new look during a lighthearted pregame media segment. His comments added a player perspective to a uniform rollout designed to reflect team identity.

The City Connect initiative has become a yearly spotlight across MLB, with multiple clubs unveiling unique designs that reflect local culture and branding. Pittsburgh’s version stood out for its darker aesthetic and emphasis on script lettering.

While the uniforms were a central talking point, the game itself also carried significance as the Pirates continue to evaluate their roster and rotation early in the season.

1. Pirates Unveil New City Connect Identity

Pittsburgh joined seven other MLB clubs in releasing updated City Connect uniforms for the 2026 season, bringing a refreshed visual identity to the franchise. The design marked a continued effort by Major League Baseball to blend tradition with modern branding. The Pirates’ version features an all-black base with yellow accents, a stylistic shift that places emphasis on contrast and minimalism compared to more colorful league counterparts. The approach reflects a more subdued interpretation of the City Connect concept. The uniforms were officially worn for the first time during Friday’s game against Tampa Bay, giving fans an early look at the in-game presentation. Reaction to the design was closely watched both locally and across the league. For Pittsburgh, the rollout represents another step in modernizing its brand while maintaining connections to its longstanding identity.

2. Skenes Highlights “Pirate-Like” Design

Before the game, Skenes participated in a casual interview segment where he was asked about his thoughts on the new uniforms. His response centered on a specific design element that stood out to him. “I like the script,” Skenes said when asked about the jerseys. “It’s very pirate-y.” His brief comment reflected appreciation for how the uniforms tied into the team’s identity, particularly through typography and branding choices. The script lettering was one of the most discussed features of the design. Skenes’ endorsement added player validation to a uniform launch that is often judged heavily by both fans and athletes alike.

3. On-Field Usage and Pitching Context

Although Skenes publicly supported the new look, he did not take the mound while wearing the City Connect uniforms on Friday. Instead, fellow pitcher Bubba Chandler received the start against Tampa Bay. The decision means Skenes may still have future opportunities to wear the alternate uniform during the 2026 season. As one of the team’s most prominent players, his involvement in future City Connect appearances remains likely. On the performance side, Skenes has been working to stabilize his early-season form after a difficult Opening Day outing. Since then, he has shown more consistency on the mound. In his last three appearances, he has posted strong numbers, including an ERA below 1.80 and a WHIP at or near 1.000, signaling a return to his expected level of dominance.