Paul Skenes’ inclusion in the 2026 World Baseball Classic team representing Team USA, is a major milestone in his young career, but does it hint at a potential exit from the Pittsburgh Pirates?
The pitcher has quickly emerged as one of the brightest stars in Major League Baseball, with a fastball that is already being likened to some of the league’s elite pitchers.
But this level of talent casts a long shadow over his future with the Pirates, who are rooted to the bottom of the National League Central with a .326 record and currently trail the Chicago Cubs by 11 wins as of May 14.
Could the WBC see players snatch Skenes away?
From the moment Skenes made his debut with the Pirates questions began to surface about whether Pittsburgh could retain the talented right-hander long term. Now, more than a season into his MLB career, the doubts are only growing louder.
The 21-year-old will be a CY Young Award contender and will be a premier talent for the likes of the Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Yankees and San Diego Padres to try to sign.
And his position on Team USA brings him into the orbit of some of the biggest names in baseball such as the Yankees’ Aaron Judge, who could sweettalk him as to what life in the Bronx is like.
Also, there are the Dodgers’ Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman, who belong to teams with financial resources far beyond what the Pirates can offer, could play a significant role in persuading Skenes to leave Pittsburgh for greener pastures.
Their super-team statuses would likely make joining their ranks an enticing option for any player, especially a young and impressionable talent like Skenes; who likely sees his future away from Pennsylvania.
The root cause of Pittsburgh’s uncertainty surrounding Skenes lies in the ownership of Bob Nutting; who has long been criticized for his reluctance to invest in the team, who spends the 27th least amount of cash in the MLB ($90m), as per Spotrac.
Managerial changes, like the firing of Derek Shelton, have failed to address the deeper issue: the lack of willingness from ownership to spend and build a contender in the NL Central.
So Skenes’ exit from Pittsburgh feels like an inevitability. His early career success has only made the disparity between his potential and the Pirates’ lack of investment more glaring, and eventually they will hit the valuation breaking point.
While it is a great time for baseball fans to watch the LSU almuni take the mound for Team USA, it is a bittersweet reminder for Pirates fans that his time in Pittsburgh is likely to be short-lived, especially with big names possibly turning his eye away.
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