Paul Skenes‘ rookie season was among the most dominant in modern MLB history. The towering right-hander finished with an 11-3 record in 23 starts; he started the All-Star Game for the NL team, and he ended the year with 170 strikeouts to 32 walks in 133 innings. However, his individual success did not correlate to team success for the Pittsburgh Pirates, one of MLB’s longest-suffering franchises.
The Pirates last won a World Series in 1979. Pittsburgh has not played in the postseason since 2015; it has not had a winning record since 2018. Pirates leadership has been routinely slammed for a refusal to invest back into the team — and sooner or later, Skenes is going to command a lucrative contract extension, assuming he wants to stay in Pittsburgh for the long haul.
Pirates point to bullpen issues that could let down Skenes
Pirates manager Derek Shelton has sparked concern with comments about Pittsburgh’s relief pitching options. Shelton has not yet been able to commit to a closing pitcher, opening the door to continued concern over whether the Pirates can hang on to late leads when Skenes pitches.
Only two teams around MLB blew more saves than the Pirates did in 2024, a factor that contributed to Pittsburgh’s lackluster 76-86 record. In an NL Central division that appears relatively open entering 2025, the Pirates’ ability — or inability — to fix their late-inning woes could vault them into playoff contention behind Skenes’ live arm…or portend disappointment to come.
Skenes isn’t eligible for arbitration until 2027, and he is not eligible for free agency until 2029. That’s a long time from now, but the Pirates have to demonstrate to Skenes — and his high-powered girlfriend, the LSU gymnast Olivia Dunne — that they are committed to building a winner around him. Otherwise, Skenes and Dunne could express discontent with a losing organization — a scenario no one in Pittsburgh wants to see.
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