Cherington: 'Skenes is going to be a Pirate in 2026'
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Paul Skenes was the National League Rookie of the Year as a member of the Pirates in 2024 and is the favorite to win the 2025 NL Cy Young Award on Wednesday night as a member of the Pirates.
But just two seasons into his already tremendous career, one question keeps popping up: How long will Skenes remain a member of the Pirates?
He was mentioned briefly in rumors leading up to the ‘25 Trade Deadline, and Pirates general manager Ben Cherington said Tuesday during the GM Meetings in Las Vegas that teams have continued to ask about the right-handed phenom’s availability.
“It’s always respectful. Teams have to ask the question, right?” Cherington said. “I suspect that won’t end. But the answer has been consistent.”
And what is the answer?
“Paul Skenes is going to be a Pirate in 2026.”
After recording a 1.96 ERA over 133 innings as a rookie, Skenes led the Majors with a 1.97 ERA over 187 2/3 innings this season. He also paced the NL with a 0.95 WHIP and a 23.7% strikeout-minus-walk rate.
The 2023 No. 1 overall MLB Draft pick won’t be arbitration-eligible until after next season and is under club control through 2029. Skenes’ name will likely continue to be bandied about in trade talks during future seasons. But for now, one of the very best pitchers in baseball isn’t going anywhere.