Pittsburgh Pirates fans have been waiting for a turnaround. After six consecutive losing seasons and nearly a decade without playoff baseball, the city is eager for a new era of success.
Star pitcher Paul Skenes understands that urgency and has made it clear that he and his teammates have a responsibility to bring winning baseball back to Pittsburgh.
In a recent interview with MLB.com, Skenes spoke passionately about what it means to play for the Pirates and why he believes the franchise needs to raise its expectations.
“We owe it to the city”
When asked if he feels the pressure of being the face of the team, Skenes didn’t shy away from the challenge. Instead, he embraced it.
“I think we owe something to the city,” Skenes said. “We owe a lot to the city. It’s our job to go out and win for the city because this is bigger than all of us.”
Skenes referenced veteran Andrew McCutchen’s continued loyalty to the Pirates as proof that there is something special about playing in Pittsburgh. He also made it clear that the team’s recent history of celebrating mere Wild Card appearances isn’t enough.
“The fact that that’s a golden era of recent Pirates baseball, that needs to change,” he added.
A leader on and off the field
Skenes isn’t just motivating his team with words, he’s leading with his performance. The 2024 National League Rookie of the Year had one of the most dominant seasons for a first-year pitcher in MLB history, giving Pirates fans hope that a brighter future is within reach.
Beyond Skenes, Pittsburgh boasts a strong foundation for success. The team features All-Star outfielder Bryan Reynolds, rising star Oneil Cruz, and a farm system ranked among the top 15 in baseball by MLB.com.
Opening day and beyond
The Pirates will kick off their 2025 season with Skenes on the mound against the Miami Marlins. With their ace setting a new standard for the team, Pittsburgh fans have reason to believe that better days are ahead.
Skenes has made his message clear: the Pirates owe it to the city, and he’s determined to help deliver the success fans have been waiting for.
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