Although the Pittsburgh Pirates are going through another losing season, there is a bright light that keeps the fans’ hopes alive: Paul Skenes. At just 23 years of age, the pitching ace has established himself as one of the best starters in the entire league and it seems that the organization is quietly working to retain him beyond his current contract.
Skenes, the first overall pick in the 2023 Draft, reached the majors in record time and has responded with absolute dominance. In his first season, he won Rookie of the Year honors, was an All-Star and finished third in Cy Young voting. This year, he leads the league with a 2.02 ERA and is the betting favorite to take home the prestigious award for best pitcher in the National League.
Will Paul Skenes re-sign with the Pirates? What we know about the negotiations
According to reports from Dan Zangrilli, the voice of the Pirates’ pre- and post-game show on 93.7 The Fan, the team “has been in talks” with Skenes’ camp about a possible extension. Although nothing has been signed yet, the goal in Pittsburgh is clear, they want to secure the most valuable arm they have had in decades.
They see it as an uphill battle, very difficult, but that will not deter them from trying. The money freed up by the Ke’Bryan Hayes transfer could be earmarked for that operation and that would be a very good investment
Although Skenes remains under team control until 2029, extending him now would allow them to secure his talent on a more favorable contract, before he becomes unattainable in free agency.
What would Paul Skenes’ contract look like if he signs an extension with Pittsburgh?
Skenes currently earns $875,000, but his performance suggests he could easily break salary records. Zangrilli explained that the Pirates will have to offer an ambitious and flexible package if they want to keep him: “I think the only way to get something done is to be super creative: guarantee six years and maybe add an opt-out and a seventh-year option. That would allow you to take advantage of all the years of control”.
The problem is not only economic, but also strategic, because if they do not act now, the risk of losing him to giants such as the Los Angeles Dodgers or New York Yankees. “Committing to pay large amounts over a long period of time is what makes Pittsburgh so cautious,” Zangrilli added, but Skenes’ talent justifies every dollar and losing him would be a blow to the Pittsburgh Pirates’ long-term project.
For now, negotiations are at an early stage, but the picture is beginning to clear because Pittsburgh wants to keep alive the hope of building a competitive team around Skenes and must act decisively and boldly. Signing him now would be a “masterstroke” and a strong message to the rest of Major League Baseball
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