PHOENIX — The Pittsburgh Pirates are on the verge of a pivotal moment, one that could define the future trajectory of the franchise for years to come. It raises an essential question: should they commit long-term to their emerging superstar, Paul Skenes—a pitcher touted as the 2024 National League Rookie of the Year—or should they entertain offers and potentially trade him before he even has a chance to step fully into that role?
The stakes are high. If they choose not to secure Skenes with a contract or decide to trade him, they could face steep costs during his arbitration years. With a payroll already hovering around $114.2 million this season—ranking 26th in Major League Baseball—they’re up against financial pressures that could limit their future strategic moves. This places them only above the Miami Marlins, whose payroll is a meager $85.2 million.
Currently, Skenes is earning a modest $875,000 this year, far below what he could command in the future. He recently noted that there haven’t been any contract talks yet with the Pirates following his win in a commanding 10-1 game against the Arizona Diamondbacks. “That hasn’t happened. This is about the here and now. I’m not in any rush for a decision to be made like that. I don’t think they are, either,” he pointed out, displaying a level of patience that many young athletes often struggle to maintain.
Comparisons are being drawn between Skenes and Gerrit Cole, another phenom the Pirates drafted first overall in 2011. Cole’s journey, which ended with his trade to the Houston Astros in 2018 before reaching free agency, remains a sore spot for many fans. After signing a jaw-dropping nine-year, $324 million contract with the Yankees in 2019, it’s hard not to wonder what might have been for the Pirates had they been able to retain him. Cole’s ultimate success amplifies the pressure on the Pirates to make a savvy decision with Skenes.
At just 23, Skenes finds himself navigating the peculiar restrictions set by the collective bargaining agreement for young players. While other standout pitchers, like Detroit’s Tarik Skubal—who earned an impressive $10.15 million this year—continue to chase financial security, Skenes knows he’s bound to the Pirates through at least 2030. “I’m tied up until 2030, I think,” he humorously remarked.
The air is thick with trade rumors, and when asked if he pays attention to them, Skenes responded with mock innocence: “What trade rumors? I don’t think any of that is for real.” But as long as the Pirates remain silent on negotiations, speculation will undoubtedly continue.
Most would agree that making a long-term commitment might be in the Pirates’ best interests, especially given Skenes’ raw talent and potential. Take, for instance, the Arizona Diamondbacks, who secured the speedster Corbin Carroll at age 22 for eight years and $111 million, effectively locking in arbitration years and granting him a sense of safety—a common practice that secures both team and player interests.
Skenes has already made his mark, notably starting in the NL All-Star game last year. It seems a no-brainer to think the Pirates would want to build a team around such a promising player. Manager Don Kelly echoed this sentiment, saying, “A player like Paul Skenes doesn’t come around very often, maybe ever. There are few pitchers like that.” He even likened Skenes to legends like Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer, clearly suggesting that Skenes is someone special.
Yet, the Pirates are notorious for their conservative financial strategies. Although assistant general manager Bryan Stroh was present during recent road trips, he chose not to field questions about the Skenes situation, leaving fans in the dark about the team’s intentions.
Interestingly, home attendance reveals a stark reality for the Pirates. Despite Skenes’ ability, they have been struggling to draw crowds at PNC Park. So far this season, the Pirates have averaged only 17,120 fans per game, placing them 26th in MLB attendance. Even his presence hasn’t boosted turnout significantly; for instance, only 8,291 fans showed up to see him pitch against the St. Louis Cardinals on April 8.
However, the atmosphere shifts when he pitches away from home. During one of his starts at Dodger Stadium on April 25, a staggering crowd of 53,055 witnessed him hold the Dodgers scoreless while striking out nine in a commanding performance. Clearly, he’s got the talent to captivate fans and could potentially induce a transformation for the franchise.
Reflecting on his journey, Skenes maintains a composed outlook on his future. “It’s all probably a long way away. We have a good core and good opportunity to do something significant in Pittsburgh,” he expressed, hinting at optimism. When asked if this is where he envisions his long-term future, his response was noncommittal, suggesting that he would like to remain open to possibilities. “I don’t know. Just hear them out,” he said, revealing a mindset that balances ambition with patience.
As the Pirates navigate through these uncertain waters, only time will tell whether they will choose to invest in their rising star or let him slip away to another franchise.
Image Source: Paul Skenes @ Instagram
