Paul Skenes Interested in Yankees Move, Sources Confirm
Baseball’s General Managers Meetings revealed intriguing developments regarding Paul Skenes, the talented pitcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates. Sources confirm that Skenes is expressing a strong interest in joining the New York Yankees. As a 2024 NL Rookie of the Year and a favorite for the 2025 NL Cy Young Award, his aspirations are understandably high.
Paul Skenes’ Desire to Join the Yankees
Recent conversations with teammates indicate that Skenes wants to transition to a team with a stronger winning potential. While discussing the prospects for his career, a source close to Skenes stated, “He has no confidence the Pirates ever are going to win.” This lack of faith in the franchise is prompting him to seek a trade before he can test free agency in 2029.
Pirates GM Responds to Trade Speculation
Ben Cherington, the general manager of the Pirates, acknowledged the rumors surrounding Skenes. He stated, “We’ll just focus on what we need to do,” emphasizing the importance of winning games. Despite Skenes’ expressed desires, Cherington remains committed to retaining him in the Pirates’ lineup for the 2026 season.
Historical Context of the Pirates’ Struggles
The Pirates have had a challenging run, with only four winning seasons in 33 years since 1992. In the last two seasons, their records were 76-86 and 71-91, placing them at the bottom of the NL Central. With such statistics, it’s no surprise that Skenes feels disillusioned.
Future Earnings Potential for Skenes
As Skenes progresses in his career, his market value is likely to soar. Some projections estimate his potential salary could reach $35 million by the 2028 season if he remains healthy and continues to perform at an elite level. Comparatively, Mitch Keller, another Pirates player, is set to record a single-season franchise record with a salary of $16.4 million.
Market Interest from Other Teams
It appears that other teams are keen on acquiring Skenes. Cherington mentioned that inquiries about Skenes’ availability are frequent but noted, “He’s going to be a Pirate in 2026.” This indicates the organization’s intent to retain their star pitcher.
Performance and Future Expectations
Paul Skenes had an impressive previous season, finishing with a 1.97 ERA and ranking among the top pitchers in the league. His recent performance puts him in contention for the prestigious Cy Young Award, further enhancing his value.
Potential for Improvement within the Pirates
Cherington is optimistic about the Pirates’ future. With plans to increase payroll, currently ranked 27th among MLB clubs, there’s an opportunity to strengthen the team’s competitiveness. This may involve trade negotiations to bolster the offense, which lagged behind in the last season.
Overall, while Skenes’ ambition to play for the Yankees signals potential changes ahead, the Pirates will endeavor to leverage his talents effectively as they work towards future victories.
