The Pittsburgh Pirates may have landed a generational talent in Paul Skenes, but the harsh reality is that keeping him long-term seems nearly impossible.
Despite Skenes being under contract through 2029, many within the organization and across Major League Baseball already anticipate that the young ace will sign a record-breaking deal elsewhere when he hits free agency.
Coming off an extraordinary rookie season, Skenes has positioned himself as one of the most dominant pitchers in the game.
While the Pirates are making the most of his presence now, insiders believe it’s only a matter of time before bigger-market teams come calling with offers Pittsburgh simply won’t be able to match.
Skenes wasted no time making an impact after debuting in mid-May. By season’s end, he had put up staggering numbers – an 11-3 record, a 1.96 ERA, and 170 strikeouts over 133 innings. His performances earned him the honor of starting for the National League in the All-Star Game, an achievement that speaks volumes about his talent.
Unsurprisingly, Skenes was named the NL Rookie of the Year, solidifying his status as one of baseball’s brightest young stars.
With an overpowering fastball and elite command, he has already drawn comparisons to some of the game’s all-time greats. If he continues at this level, his free agency could be one of the most anticipated in MLB history.
The Massive Contract That Awaits
According to Pittsburgh Post-Gazette insider Jason Mackey, the Pirates have all but accepted that keeping Skenes beyond his current contract is unrealistic.
Given the way MLB salaries continue to rise, Mackey believes Skenes could command a deal worth as much as $700 million – a figure that would shatter the current record for a pitcher, held by Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s 12-year, $325 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
For a small-market team like Pittsburgh, offering that kind of money is simply out of the question. That means teams like the Dodgers, Yankees, Mets, and Padres are the most likely suitors once Skenes reaches free agency.
Could Olivia Dunne Play a Role in Skenes’ Future?
One potential X-factor in Skenes‘ decision is his relationship with Olivia Dunne, the LSU gymnast and social media sensation. With millions of followers and lucrative endorsement deals, Dunne has built a brand that thrives in major markets.
While it remains unclear whether she will influence Skenes‘ decision, personal and lifestyle factors often play a role when athletes choose their next destination.
For now, the Pirates are focused on maximizing Skenes‘ impact while he’s still wearing black and gold. But as each season passes, the likelihood of him taking the mound elsewhere in the future only grows stronger.
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