The Pittsburgh Pirates are enduring a difficult 2025 season, which has already resulted in the firing of manager Derek Shelton. With uncertainty surrounding general manager Ben Cherington and the front office, speculation has emerged about whether the team might consider trading star pitcher Paul Skenes to accelerate a rebuild. However, Cherington and other team officials have made it clear that Skenes is not available, dismissing trade rumors with an emphatic stance.
Despite the Pirates’ struggles, Skenes has continued to shine in his second MLB season. The former LSU standout remains one of the league’s most promising young pitchers, and his value has led executives from other teams to speculate that Pittsburgh could receive an unprecedented trade package if they were to move him. One unnamed executive suggested the return for Skenes could be 1.5 times larger than the haul the Washington Nationals received for Juan Soto in 2022.
While the idea of trading Skenes for multiple impact players is tempting from a roster-building perspective, Cherington has made it clear that the Pirates are not entertaining such discussions. According to reports from MLB.com, one source within the organization stated there is “no chance, no way, no how” that Pittsburgh would move the 22-year-old pitcher. Cherington himself reiterated that a trade involving Skenes is “not at all part of the conversation,” putting an end to speculation for now.
Now they have to build around him
Pittsburgh’s reluctance to spend aggressively in free agency has fueled concerns about the team’s long-term competitiveness. With ownership unwilling to make big-money signings, some analysts argue that trading Skenes for a package of four, five, or even six impact players could bolster the roster without requiring major financial commitments. However, the Pirates’ decision-makers appear committed to building around Skenes rather than using him as trade capital.
Still, questions remain about the organization’s future direction. The firing of Shelton signals potential instability, and the possibility of front-office changes-including Cherington’s job security-adds uncertainty to the Pirates’ plans. If the team continues to struggle, Pittsburgh could eventually revisit its stance on trading Skenes, particularly if ownership determines that a full-scale rebuild is necessary.
For now, though, the Pirates seem determined to hold onto their young ace. While trade speculation will likely persist as the team navigates its challenges, Pittsburgh’s leadership has made it clear that Skenes remains a foundational piece of their future. Whether he can lead the team out of its current struggles remains to be seen, but the organization appears unwilling to part ways with its most valuable asset.
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