Paul Skenes does not hesitate to declare his firm intentions of moving to one of the league’s “great nines” and anticipates that the Pirates’ management will understand that such a transfer would represent the most significant achievement in the nascent stage of his professional career.
Skenes reportedly confided in one of his teammates that he hopes the Pirates can trade him to the Yankees well before he becomes a free agent, which is scheduled for 2029.
The young pitcher is cognizant that his ability to achieve major success is limited with the Pirates. Despite any significant roster reinforcements, the organization is perceived to have diminished aspirations of contending for a World Series title in the coming years.
Trust me, he wants to play for the Yankees.”…”I’ve heard him say it multiple times.
A Skenes teammate in Pittsburgh stated.
The organization’s official response
In response to this sentiment, Pirates General Manager, Ben Cherington commented:
I do dismiss it, but I understand it.”…”What we’re going to focus on is just how do we win games with him in a Pirates uniform.
I have a ton of respect for the Yankees, but we’ll just focus on what we need to do.
The Pirates executive stated on Tuesday at The Cosmopolitan.
Past aspirations and current teality
It is also noted that on previous occasions, Skenes had expressed a desire to play for the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Skenes grew up a big Angels fan.”…. “He’s talked about going to the Arizona Fall League when he was 9 or 10 years old and getting Mike Trout’s autograph there. I used to think Anaheim was where Skenes wanted to go.
A well-acquainted individual remarked
Regardless of whether he prefers the Yankees or the Dodgers, the reality is that both teams maintain perennial aspirations of contending for a championship.
Cherington further elaborated on the link between Skenes’ desire and the team’s strategy:
In a nice way, it’s really simple because what matters most to (Skenes) is what matters to us.”…”Win more games. That’s the focus because that’s what is going to be most important to him. What probably gives us the best chance to keep him in Pittsburgh for longer is winning games, and that’s what we need to do anyway.
So in a way it helps simplify it and focus it. My conversations with him, the only thing we talk about is winning and how to do that.
Cherington added.
In the current landscape of professional sports, the market is driven by financial considerations. If the Yankees genuinely seek to acquire the young star, they will be required to meet his market value. It remains a matter of time to see whether the pitcher achieves his goal of moving to “the city that never sleeps” or continues fulfilling the remainder of his contract in Pittsburgh.
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