Pirates Face Growing Pressure to Build Around Their Star Pitcher
The future of Paul Skenes with the Pittsburgh Pirates is becoming a major storyline as the organization enters another important offseason. The superstar right-hander has established himself as one of baseball’s premier pitchers, but questions remain about whether Pittsburgh can build a competitive team around him.
Skenes has already experienced tremendous individual success, including winning the National League Rookie of the Year Award in 2024 and the NL Cy Young Award in 2025. However, individual awards mean little if the Pirates cannot consistently compete for a postseason spot.
Speculation about Skenes potentially leaving Pittsburgh has continued as fans wonder how long the franchise can keep its biggest star. Although a departure is not imminent, the team’s decisions over the next several seasons could have a major impact on his long term future.
Contract Situation Adds to the Speculation
One of the biggest factors in the discussion is Skenes’ contract situation. He remains under team control through the 2029 season, meaning the Pirates have several years before he can reach free agency.
That gives Pittsburgh valuable time to build a contender around its ace. However, it also creates pressure for the front office to make the most of the years it has him under contract.
Small-market teams often face difficult decisions when their young stars approach free agency. Trading a player of Skenes’ caliber would be an enormous move, but failing to surround him with enough talent could create an equally difficult situation for the franchise.
The Pirates have an opportunity to show Skenes that Pittsburgh can be a place where he competes for championships rather than simply collects individual accomplishments.
Has Skenes Given Up on Pittsburgh?
Despite the speculation, Skenes has publicly pushed back against previous trade rumors. In November 2025, he said his goal was to win with the Pirates, directly addressing reports suggesting he wanted to play elsewhere.
That statement is important because there is currently no confirmed indication that Skenes has demanded a trade or intends to leave the organization.
Still, the pressure will remain on Pittsburgh to prove it can build a winning roster. A franchise with a generational pitcher cannot afford to waste the opportunity.
What Happens Next?
For now, Skenes remains a Pirate, and a trade should not be treated as inevitable. The bigger question is whether the organization can make the necessary moves to become a legitimate contender.
If Pittsburgh invests in its roster and consistently competes, keeping Skenes could become much easier. If the team struggles to take the next step, speculation about his future will only grow louder.
