Pittsburgh Pirates squander Paul Skenes' immense talent
- Paul Skenes has emerged as a dominant pitcher with a low earned run average in his first two seasons.
- Despite his successes on the mound, the Pirates continue to struggle offensively, resulting in possible trade discussions.
- There is speculation that trading Skenes may benefit both him and the franchise, as the Pirates appear to not support his talent effectively.
In recent days, Paul Skenes has demonstrated his exceptional pitching talents for the Pittsburgh Pirates in Major League Baseball. Despite his outstanding performance, specifically a recent game against the Philadelphia Phillies where he allowed only one run over eight innings, the Pirates still lost, showcasing the team's ongoing struggles. Currently, the Pirates hold a poor record of 15-33 as of May 20, 2025, and sit in last place in the NL Central, raising concerns about the team's lack of offense when their ace is on the mound. Analysts have pointed out that Skenes' impressive statistics, including a 1.96 ERA in his rookie season and a 2.44 ERA in the current season, highlight the increasing frustration among fans and sports commentators regarding the franchise’s management decisions. ESPN's Jeff Passan specifically criticized the Pirates for their apparent lack of willingness to support Skenes' development and talent by not providing adequate offensive players or investments. With Skenes not set to become a free agent until 2029, there are discussions within the sports community about the possibility of trading him while his value is at its peak. Although it's uncertain if a trade will occur, many believe it may be in the best interest of both Skenes and the franchise to consider this option as the Pirates continue their downward trajectory, hinting at another year without playoff aspirations.