The conversation around Paul Skenes and the Pittsburgh Pirates has grown louder as the season winds down, and yet there is still little clarity about what comes next.
MLB insider Jon Heyman recently suggested the Pirates are “likely to extend” their rookie ace, sparking a wave of optimism among fans.
That hope was further amplified when reports surfaced that the New York Yankees made a push for Skenes before the trade deadline, dangling prospects Spencer Jones and George Lombard Jr. in exchange.
Skenes pumps the brakes on contract chatter
For now, Skenes himself insists that nothing is happening behind the scenes. Speaking to reporters ahead of his final start of the year, the 22-year-old pitcher shut down speculation of ongoing talks.
“No. That’s not something I want to discuss during the season,” he said. “They haven’t brought anything up to me out of respect for that, too. No discussions on that.”
His response suggests the Pirates will wait until the offseason to address any potential deal. That delay has only fueled unease in a fan base that has seen years of false dawns.
Despite Skenes‘ flashes of brilliance on the mound, 2025 will mark Pittsburgh‘s 10th consecutive season without a playoff berth. The Pirates haven’t posted a winning record since 2019, and patience is wearing thin.
Ownership under Bob Nutting has developed a reputation for playing conservatively with payroll, and unless the front office shows signs of ambition, it’s hard to envision Skenes locking himself into a long-term commitment.
For many, the real issue isn’t whether Pittsburgh values Skenes, it’s whether they can surround him with enough talent to contend. Without that, the thought of the young ace signing away his prime years seems far-fetched.
There are, however, reasons for cautious optimism. Alongside Skenes, the Pirates have assembled a promising crop of arms, including Jared Jones, Bubba Chandler, and Mitch Keller.
If developed properly, that quartet could anchor a formidable rotation in the years ahead. The question remains whether management is willing to make the complementary moves needed to transform potential into postseason reality.
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