PITTSBURGH — Paul Skenes is focused on the present rather than the implications of a potential long-term contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates. When questioned about the idea of an extension, the 22-year-old rookie sensation stated, “I haven’t given it too much thought,” suggesting that he is currently prioritizing his performance over future negotiations.
As the National League Rookie of the Year, Skenes made headlines last year, quickly ascending to fame with his exceptional pitching skills and a powerful 100-mph fastball. His arrival in the major leagues injected energy into both the city and the franchise. However, the Pirates have had a slow start to the offseason regarding free agency, leading to rising concerns among fans that they might soon lose this standout player, who was the top pick in the 2023 draft.
The club’s general manager, Ben Cherington, has not engaged in a significant spending spree to improve the team’s lineup to support what could be a formidable pitching rotation, including Skenes and fellow young pitcher Jared Jones. The fanbase has expressed frustration, with some resorting to a billboard campaign encouraging Pirates chairman Bob Nutting to sell the team. At a recent fan event, calls of “Sell the Team!” echoed, although it was made clear by team officials that Nutting has no intention of selling. Despite this, Skenes remains optimistic about the franchise’s future, citing the young talent and recent coaching adjustments as indicators of improvement following a consecutive season with a 76-86 record.
“The group that we have from last year is going to be better, I think, than we were last year,” Skenes remarked, explaining how experience and coaching changes can contribute positively to the team’s success. The Pirates have recently hired Matt Hague to oversee their hitting program and brought in reputed pitching coach Brent Strom to work with their promising pitching staff, which is still gaining experience.
With the clock ticking on Skenes’ time before arbitration eligibility arrives after the 2026 season, there is growing concern that the franchise may struggle to keep him long-term, despite having secured commitments from key players like outfielder Bryan Reynolds and pitcher Mitch Keller in past years. The organization has a history of letting go of talented pitchers such as Gerrit Cole and Joe Musgrove before they became prohibitively expensive.
Nevertheless, Skenes is focused on the present rather than future uncertainties. He will enter Spring Training without the anxiety of innings limits the team imposed last year, aimed at preserving his arm. “I’m going to be ready to throw 240 innings,” he affirmed, following an impressive rookie season where he recorded an 11-3 record with a 1.96 ERA over 23 starts.
Beyond the field, Skenes is eager to cultivate a positive clubhouse atmosphere. He has spent time during the offseason connecting with veteran players from various teams to gather perspectives on fostering team culture. He acknowledges that while he will have more influence, he is cautious and understands that creating a successful environment is a complex task. “Winning is winning. We’ve got to do what we’ve got to do to make it happen,” he stated emphatically.
Skenes has been training in Charlotte, North Carolina, and is adjusting to his new level of recognition as a budding star. While he notes that during the offseason, public interest tends to wane, he remains aware that his fame is a constant factor. A recent encounter with a fan on a flight demonstrates this, where he signed a copy of Dostoevsky’s “Crime and Punishment,” an act that quickly gained attention on social media.
As he continues his journey from rising star to established player, Skenes has learned to compartmentalize various aspects of his life and career. He is determined to lead the Pirates back to postseason play for the first time since 2015 while remaining unafraid of the competitive gap that exists between franchises like the Los Angeles Dodgers and his own team. He believes, “There’s no reason we can’t play fundamental baseball and execute at a very high level without having players like Shohei Ohtani. It’s not a complicated game.”
For now, Skenes appears committed to maintaining his focus on the present, with the potential for a bright future ahead.
