The Pittsburgh Pirates began the season with high hopes, driven by a talented young roster and the debut of Paul Skenes, the former No. 1 overall pick. Skenes has electrified fans with his rookie season, consistently hitting triple digits on the radar gun and igniting excitement at PNC Park.
However, a dismal start and the firing of manager Derek Shelton have fueled speculation. With the Pirates languishing at the bottom of the NL Central, some league insiders have wondered if the team might consider trading their star pitcher.
Not so fast.
USA Today’s Bob Nightengale firmly dismissed the idea, stating, “This simply isn’t happening.” He added, “The Pirates are more likely to leave PNC Park and return to Three Rivers Stadium than trade Skenes.”
The reasoning is clear. At just $875,000 and under team control for four more years, Skenes is a generational talent and a beacon of hope for a frustrated fanbase. Since his MLB debut on May 11 last year, he’s been dominant, boasting a 2.10 ERA (first in the league), a 30.7% strikeout rate (fourth), and 201 2/3 innings pitched (13th), an impressive feat for the reigning NL Rookie of the Year.
Pirates fans can rest assured: Skenes is staying put.
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