Pirates GM Confirms: No Trade for Ace Paul Skenes This Offseason

UPDATE: The Pittsburgh Pirates have officially ruled out trading Paul Skenes, their star ace, this offseason. General manager Ben Cherington confirmed during the General Managers meetings in Las Vegas that speculation surrounding Skenes’ potential move has been addressed, but the answer remains a firm “no.”

Cherington emphasized that inquiries about Skenes’ availability have come in regularly from various clubs. However, he stated, “The question gets asked, and it’s always respectful,” underscoring the consistent stance the Pirates have taken regarding their top pitcher.

Skenes, just 23 years old and already a dominant force in Major League Baseball, concluded the 2025 season with a remarkable 1.97 ERA over 187.2 innings across 32 starts. His stellar performance earned him an All-Star selection and a strong position as a favorite for the NL Cy Young Award, highlighting his significance in the league.

Despite Skenes’ incredible individual achievements, the Pirates finished with a disappointing record of 71-91, placing last in the National League Central for the second consecutive year. This dismal outcome has raised questions about the franchise’s ability to build a competitive team around its star pitcher.

Cherington acknowledged the ongoing conversation about Skenes but reiterated the Pirates’ vision. “Trading Skenes would bring a massive return, but we see him as a vital building block for our future,” he stated. The organization is prioritizing improvements to its offense, which ranked last in the majors in runs scored during the previous season.

Looking ahead, the Pirates plan to leverage their increased payroll flexibility this winter to enhance their lineup. Cherington highlighted the need for more run production, stating, “Run scoring was the thing that got in our way more than anything. We’ve got to add to that.”

The Pirates are set to enter the offseason with a promising pitching rotation that includes veteran Mitch Keller and top prospect Bubba Chandler, alongside Skenes. As the team prepares for changes, fans are left wondering how management will address the offensive struggles that hampered their season.

The situation around Paul Skenes is developing, and while his future with the Pirates is secured for now, the franchise’s commitment to building a winning team will be closely monitored in the coming weeks. As the winter meetings approach, expect further updates on the Pirates’ strategy and potential acquisitions.