Pirates Respond to Paul Skenes’ Yankees Trade Request: Report
All-Star right-hander Paul Skenes of the Pittsburgh Pirates has expressed a strong desire to be traded to the New York Yankees. This comes amid his impressive performance over the past two seasons, where he maintained a 1.96 ERA and recorded 386 strikeouts across 55 starts. Despite his personal accolades, Skenes’s frustration with the Pirates’ lack of competitive success has prompted these trade discussions.
Paul Skenes’ Stellar Record
Skenes emerged as a standout player since entering Major League Baseball. His achievements include:
- 2024 NL Rookie of the Year
- 2025 NL Cy Young favorite
- Two-time All-Star selection
His most recent season showcased a league-leading 1.97 ERA, underscoring his status as one of the best pitchers in baseball.
Pirates’ Struggles and Skenes’ Trade Desire
Despite Skenes’s individual success, the Pirates finished last in the National League Central with a 71-91 record. This poor performance has contributed to Skenes’s diminishing confidence in the team’s potential to be competitive in the future.
In conversations with teammates, Skenes has openly conveyed his feelings about his future with the Pirates. He indicated he “has no confidence the Pirates ever are going to win” and expressed hope for a trade before he potentially becomes a free agent after the 2029 season.
Management’s Response
When approached regarding Skenes’s trade desires, Pirates general manager Ben Cherington responded succinctly, saying, “I understand it.” He acknowledged the Yankees’ prestige but emphasized the team’s focus on their current strategy.
Future Trade Scenarios
The potential for Skenes to be traded appears to be growing. As he continues to excel in his performance, the Pirates may face mounting pressure to consider offers for their superstar pitcher. Industry analysts believe that if a trade occurs, the Pirates will demand a significant return.
Steve Adams from MLB Trade Rumors has remarked on the likelihood of a future trade, noting that Skenes’s trajectory could position him to set new contract records for starting pitchers.
As Skenes aims for a future with the Yankees, the baseball community will be watching closely for developments in this situation, especially as he expresses his desire to join the iconic franchise.
