The Pittsburgh Pirates are a hotbed of legends. Players like Barry Bonds, Willie Stargell, Roberto Clemente, and Bill Mazeroski have all come through the Pirates’ ranks and now, Andrew McCutchen is giving Paul Skenes the chance to join the select club, but the rookie isn’t too convinced of the veteran’s grand gesture.
Skenes was selected by the Pirates in the 2023 MLB Draft and after a brief stint in the team’s minor league branches, he joined the main team in the 2024 season. The rookie delivered immediate results with a record of 11 wins and 3 losses in 23 starts.
Although Skenes seems to be on his way to becoming a Pirates star in his own right, veteran Andrew McCutchen decided to give the second-year player a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity: being able to brag that they once played together.
McCutchen’s offer
McCutchen, in his second stint with the Pirates, made an appearance on MLB Network’s 30 Clubs in 15 Days segment. With his trademark humor, he reminisced about the franchise’s storied history: “So many legends have come through this organization. I mean, Roberto Clemente, Willie Stargell, and Andrew McCutchen. It’s crazy to think.”
Taking the joke further, McCutchen quipped, “One day, when you have kids, you’ll be able to tell them you got to play with Andrew McCutchen.” He then turned to Skenes and added, “If you play your cards right, one day somebody’s going to know your name.”
Unfazed, Skenes delivered a sharp and sarcastic reply: “Wow, thanks, Andrew McCutchen.” Though only entering his second year with the Pirates, the LSU standout has already become one of the franchise’s most recognizable names.
What lies ahead for Skenes?
Despite the camaraderie between McCutchen and Skenes, the Pirates’ history suggests a tough road ahead for rising stars. The team has a pattern of developing elite talent, only to part ways when rookie contracts expire.
McCutchen himself experienced this, leaving for the San Francisco Giants in 2017 after eight seasons in Pittsburgh. Similarly, Gerrit Cole and Tyler Glasnow departed in 2018, securing lucrative deals with the Yankees and Dodgers, respectively.
Will Skenes follow in their footsteps, or will Pittsburgh find a way to keep him in black and gold? Only time will tell.
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