The Pittsburgh Pirates have endured a depressing begin to their season up to now 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 Could 23, the Pittsburgh Pirates presently 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 collected much less victories – with the Pirates successful 17 matches up to now.
Boasting a document 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 Sequence winners.
Out of their 16-series within the MLB up to now, enjoying 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 Sequence triumph coming in 1979.
It has been a tough few years for the Pirates basically, ending backside of the Nationwide League Central in 2024 and just one place increased 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 document up to now, the teenager has collected some sturdy numbers.
In reality, the 22-year-old has an excellent ERA of two.44, which is the twelfth greatest within the MLB as of Could 23, whereas additionally giving up simply 45 hits and 19 runs – hanging out 62 batters within the course of.
The Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher presently sits tenth for WHIP within the MLB rankings with .190 and his performances have left different MLB followers questioning if he ought to be traded to an actual World Sequence contender.
Will Pittsburgh Pirates Commerce Paul Skenes?
Regardless of supporters of different MLB franchises outdoors of Pittsburgh beginning rumors over a commerce for Paul Skenes, there seems to be little to no likelihood 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, Basic Supervisor of the Pittsburgh Pirates, was fast to close down any murmurs over a commerce involving Paul Skenes and acknowledged there has not been a dialog over it.
When requested a few 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 likelihood 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 Sequence.
Which MLB Franchise Would Signal Paul Skenes?
A bunch of MLB franchises could be trying right into a deal involving Paul Skenes if he had been to half methods with the Pirates and his numbers mirror a star that might grow 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.
Nevertheless, there could possibly be curiosity from groups which are near or already competing for the World Sequence, together with the New York Yankees, Arizona Diamondbacks and Boston Pink Sox.
