Major Paul Skenes Update Announced Amid Trade Rumors
Major Paul Skenes Update Announced Amid Trade Rumors originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The Pittsburgh Pirates have been in the spotlight throughout the early weeks of the 2025 MLB season, but none more so than their ace right‐hander, Paul Skenes.
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On Monday, during an appearance on the Pat McAfee Show, ESPN's Jeff Passan firmly dismissed any notion that the Pirates were considering trading their 22-year-old phenom, stating, "Just to be clear, the Pirates have no intention of trading Paul Skenes at this point.'
Passan explained that while rival front offices will certainly inquire about Skenes at the trade deadline, the Pirates' stance remains steadfast in keeping him in Pittsburgh for the foreseeable future.
"When we've seen pitchers of or near his caliber get traded in the past, it's usually been with like two seasons before they can reach free agency. Paul Skenes does not reach free agency for another five years. So, it's trying to value that properly," Passan added.
Skenes was selected first overall by the Pirates in the 2023 MLB Draft and made his major league debut on May 11, 2024.
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He wasted no time showcasing his electric fastball, taking a no-hitter into the seventh inning while striking out 11 batters at Wrigley Field in just his second start on May 17.
Over 23 starts in 2024, Skenes posted a 1.96 ERA with a 170-strikeout total, going 11-3 en route to National League Rookie of the Year honors and a third-place finish in the NL Cy Young voting.
Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes.Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
Skenes was tabbed as the Opening Day starter on March 27 and, to this point in the 2025 season, has recorded a 2.15 ERA in 12 outings, compiling a 4-5 record.
With the Pirates continuing to struggle (22-38, dead last in the NL Central), MLB trade rumors have started to swirl around Skenes.
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Yet, Passan's unequivocal statement that the Pirates have no intention of trading Skenes should put fans at ease that Pittsburgh's front office is committed to building around their young ace
With only one full MLB season under his belt, Skenes still has five years of control before free agency, giving Pittsburgh a window to add complementary pieces around him.
Related: MLB Reacts to Major Mike Trout News on Friday
Related: Braves Dealt Major Pitching Staff Loss on Friday
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 2, 2025, where it first appeared.
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