The Pittsburgh Pirates continue to find themselves at the center of a familiar and frustrating narrative as they struggle to lockdown the talented Paul Skenes‘ future at the PNC Park.
Despite having one of the most promising young pitchers in Major League Baseball, the organization appears unwilling to take the next step to secure his long-term future with big name teams hanging around.
And the club’s hesitance to increase spending is a sticking point with fans, as their last MLB postseason appearance came in 2015, and they haven’t won a World Series since 1979.
Meanwhile, ownership continues to operate with one of the lowest payrolls in the league as 2025’s Opening Day payroll stood at approximately $85.5 million, a figure that reflects a broader reluctance to invest in a winning roster.
Now rumors suggested that the Pirates were exploring a contract extension with Skenes, sparking rare optimism among the fanbase. However, those hopes may now be fading due to tight fists once again.
“Pittsburgh Pirates general manager Ben Cherington said last week that the money the team saved at the MLB trade deadline would be reallocated,” reported John Perrotto. “It appears that money will not be reallocated into a larger budget in 2026.
“Two sources briefed on the situation told Pittsburgh Baseball Now that owner Bob Nutting will likely give Cherington the same player payroll as this season or perhaps a bit lower.”
This report undercuts any momentum the franchise may have had in keeping Skenes, a generational pitching talent, in Pittsburgh long-term with the likes of the New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers sniffing around.
Why the Pirates won’t keep Paul Skenes
At this year’s trade deadline, the Pirates once again prioritized shedding salary over acquiring proven talent as notable names such as David Bednar, Ke’Bryan Hayes, and Caleb Ferguson were moved, primarily for prospects.
Most strikingly, the club unloaded the $36 million remaining on Hayes’ contract when trading him to the Cincinnati Reds and although Cherington suggested that the savings would be reinvested, Perrotto‘s reporting indicates that this will not materialize.
Without increased payroll flexibility, the Pirates are unlikely to retain a player of Skenes‘ caliber, especially as free agency looms. And the current situation has become even more disheartening when viewed in the broader MLB landscape.
Just recently, the Boston Red Sox signed their outfielder, Roman Anthony, to an eight-year, $130 million extension. Although he is a promising young player, he is not on the same level as Skenes.
Thus given the market precedent, a Skenes extension would likely require a financial commitment north of $200 million. For a franchise that hasn’t eclipsed the $100 million payroll mark since 2017, such a deal feels increasingly implausible.
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