Paul Skenes has made it clear: “I haven’t given it too much thought,” when asked about a potential contract extension with the Pittsburgh Pirates. For now, his focus lies elsewhere.
At just 22 years old, Skenes stands out as a beacon of talent in a franchise that has faced its share of challenges. His impressive debut in May 2023, marked by a blazing 100-mph fastball, has sparked excitement among fans, yet uncertainty looms over his long-term future with the team.
The Pirates’ quiet offseason has left many supporters anxious about retaining the young star. Despite his electrifying performance, general manager Ben Cherington has not engaged in significant spending to bolster the team’s lineup, which could benefit from Skenes’ talent alongside fellow pitcher Jared Jones.
Frustration among fans has reached a boiling point, with some even launching a billboard campaign urging Pirates chairman Bob Nutting to sell the team. At a recent fanfest event, a chant of “Sell The Team!” echoed through the crowd, prompting a response from vice president Travis Williams, who asserted that Nutting has no intention of stepping down.
Yet, Skenes remains optimistic, pointing to the young talent within the organization and recent coaching changes as signs of progress after two consecutive seasons finishing with a 76-86 record. The Pirates have made key hires, including Matt Hague for their hitting program and veteran pitching coach Brent Strom, to nurture a staff brimming with potential.
However, concerns linger about the team’s ability to maximize its window of opportunity while Skenes is still under contract. Though the Pirates have secured long-term deals for key players like Bryan Reynolds and Mitch Keller, Skenes’ future remains uncertain, especially with arbitration eligibility looming after the 2026 season. The team has a history of parting ways with high-caliber pitchers before they become financially burdensome, as seen with Gerrit Cole and Joe Musgrove.
For now, Skenes is focused on the present. As he prepares for spring training in Bradenton, Florida, he looks forward to participating as a full-fledged major leaguer without the innings limit imposed last season to protect his arm. He has expressed gratitude for the team’s approach, stating that it worked well for him.
During the offseason, he has dedicated time to training in Charlotte, North Carolina, while adjusting to his rising fame. “The nice thing about the offseason is people kind of forget you because it’s not baseball season,” he reflected. “It never completely goes away. That’s just how it is. It’s the new normal.”
An amusing encounter on a flight from Chicago to Pittsburgh highlighted his newfound celebrity status. A fan approached him for an autograph, but all he had was a copy of Fyodor Dostoevsky’s “Crime and Punishment.” Skenes humorously signed the author’s biography page, an act that quickly went viral.
While he acknowledges the disparity between the Pirates and powerhouse teams like the Los Angeles Dodgers, Skenes refuses to use that as an excuse for underperformance. “There’s no reason we can’t play fundamental baseball and execute at a very high level without having players like Shohei Ohtani,” he stated. “It’s not a complicated game.”
For now, the situation remains uncomplicated. Skenes’ focus is on the upcoming season, as he prepares to make his mark in the league.
