The Pittsburgh Pirates have endured a depressing begin to their season to this point and MLB followers have began to ignite rumors over a commerce involving star participant, Paul Skenes.
Why Are Pittsburgh Pirates Struggling In 2025?
As of Might 23, the Pittsburgh Pirates at present sit in 14th place of the Nationwide League or third within the Nationwide League Central and solely the Colorado Rockies, Chicago White Sox and Baltimore Orioles have amassed much less victories – with the Pirates profitable 17 matches to this point.
Boasting a file of 17-34 just isn’t precisely what Pirates followers had in thoughts at this stage of the season, particularly with the wealthy historical past in Pittsburgh as a consequence of being 5 time World Collection winners.
Out of their 16-series within the MLB to this point, taking part in a franchise in three or 4 recreation blocks, the Pittsburgh Pirates have solely gained 5 – beating the St Louis Cardinals (2-1), Washington Nationals (3-1), Los Angeles Angels (2-1), Atlanta Braves (2-1) and Cincinnati Reds (2-1).
As for why the Pirates are struggling, a big a part of it’s right down to a poor offensive show as they’re one of many lowest scoring groups within the MLB and there has not been sufficient funding within the facet – with their final World Collection triumph coming in 1979.
It has been a troublesome few years for the Pirates normally, ending backside of the Nationwide League Central in 2024 and just one place greater in 2023.
One man that can’t take a lot of the blame for the Pirates’ poor 2025 season is Paul Skenes, as regardless of holding a 3-5 file to this point, the teen has amassed some robust numbers.
Actually, the 22-year-old has an excellent ERA of two.44, which is the twelfth greatest within the MLB as of Might 23, whereas additionally giving up simply 45 hits and 19 runs – putting out 62 batters within the course of.
The Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher at present sits tenth for WHIP within the MLB rankings with .190 and his performances have left different MLB followers questioning if he must be traded to an actual World Collection contender.
Will Pittsburgh Pirates Commerce Paul Skenes?
Regardless of supporters of different MLB franchises exterior of Pittsburgh beginning rumors over a commerce for Paul Skenes, there seems to be little to no probability of any transfer occurring.
The 22-year-old nonetheless has a number of years left on his deal in Pittsburgh and their is clearly a plan to construct a facet across the star pitcher after the Pirates chosen Skenes because the primary total decide within the 2023 MLB Draft.
Ben Cherington, Common Supervisor of the Pittsburgh Pirates, was fast to close down any murmurs over a commerce involving Paul Skenes and said there has not been a dialog over it.
When requested a couple of Paul Skenes commerce, Cherington mentioned: “No, it’s not a part of the dialog in any respect.”
This agency stance would strongly counsel that the Pirates are usually not even entertaining the chance over a commerce deal for Paul Skenes, nonetheless, if these poor performances proceed then a dialog might start.
A dialog over a transfer away from Pittsburgh is unlikely to happen in 2025, however Skenes will not be seeking to signal an prolonged deal if the Pirates are usually not competing for the World Collection.
Which MLB Franchise Would Signal Paul Skenes?
A number of MLB franchises can be trying right into a deal involving Paul Skenes if he had been to half methods with the Pirates and his numbers replicate a star that might turn out to be one of many highest paid gamers within the MLB.
Franchises just like the Philadelphia Phillies, Detroit Tigers, Atlanta Braves and Texas Rangers might not present an excessive amount of of an curiosity as all of them have a star pitcher already.
Nonetheless, there could possibly be curiosity from groups which can be near or already competing for the World Collection, together with the New York Yankees, Arizona Diamondbacks and Boston Purple Sox.