The Pittsburgh Pirates wrapped up the 2025 season with a 71–91 record, finishing last in the NL Central. Despite the uncertainty surrounding the franchise’s future, one constant remains — right-hander Paul Skenes. The 23-year-old completed his second major league season and once again proved why he’s among baseball’s elite.
Skenes is the clear favorite for the NL Cy Young Award after earning his second straight All-Star selection. He led MLB with a 1.97 ERA, topped the National League with a 0.948 WHIP, and struck out 216 hitters over 187 2/3 innings. Though he’s made just 55 career appearances, his dominance has already placed him among the game’s premier pitchers.
As Skenes begins his offseason in Pittsburgh, the Pirates announced that Sporting News had named him to its All-Star team as the club’s lone representative. “Congrats to Paul Skenes on being named to the @sportingnews All-Star Team!” the team posted on X.
The recognition carries weight — Sporting News names only one player per position from each league. In its announcement, the outlet highlighted how decisive the vote was: “Starting pitchers Tarik Skubal of the Tigers and Paul Skenes of the Pirates were near-unanimous choices by AL and NL execs, respectively.”
Just two seasons into his MLB career, Skenes continues to strengthen his case as one of baseball’s brightest stars.
Although Paul Skenes has made it clear he wants to stay in Pittsburgh — and has flourished with the Pirates — his name has still surfaced in trade rumors amid the franchise’s uncertain direction. If the team were to move him, Skenes would likely become one of the most valuable players ever traded, given his elite production and four remaining years of team control.
At just 23 years old, Skenes still has room to refine his game and evolve into an even more complete pitcher. He’s dominated every step of the way, from his days starring at LSU, to being selected first overall in the 2023 MLB Draft, to his rapid ascent through the majors. Simply put, Skenes continues to look every bit the generational talent many projected him to be.
Source: AthlonSports
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