Nobody is thrilled with Paul Skenes’ situation in Pittsburgh. The Pirates’ pitcher is one of the best in the MLB, but his team is not giving him the runs he needs to win games.
Jayson Stark rips the Pirates on how they use Paul Skenes: “The way they’re handling him is team building malpractice”
Skenes is leading the Pirates in wins (4), ERA (2.02) and strikeouts (85). Those numbers translate to tied for first in quality starts in the MLB (10), he’s in eighth place in the strikeout column and is also eighth in ERA. Paul Skenes is playing great and has proved at the age of 23 that he belongs in the MLB in only his second season.
Paul Skenes has allowed only 19 earned runs in 13 starts this year but the Pirates have lost 8 of those games. pic.twitter.com/8hNaFWsiBJ
— Codify (@CodifyBaseball) June 4, 2025
For a franchise player like that there will always be rumors about getting traded and going to play for a team that has a chance of playing in the postseason. That’s not the case for the Pirates this season, again.
“If I were a Pirates fan, I would be sick to my stomach if I hear people think or discuss that maybe they would be open to trading the face of the franchise,” Andrew Siciliano said on the Rich Eisen show.
Jayson Stark gives his insight into the situation in Pittsburgh
“Last seven starts, he’s got a 1.77 ERA, he’s averaging over six innings a start, actually closer to seven. They’re 2-5 in those games,” Jayson Stark said. “And it’s just a slice of life around the Pirates right now. I’ve been on the soapbox since they fired the manager, Derek Shelton a few weeks ago.”
“I just don’t understand how the owner Bob Nutting can look at this and show me he understands what it means to have Paul Skenes on his team. What’s the window for the Pirates to win with this guy? I don’t know how long it is. But, guess what? This year is part of that window and the big free agent signings that Bob Nutting authorized over the past winter were Adam Frazier, Tommy Pham and Andrew Heaney,” Stark continued, “And, then, he fires the manager and issues a statement saying they need to show a greater sense of urgency. Tell me there’s another contender for the least self-aware quote of 2025.”
The sportswriter for the Athletic continued his rant: “It just feels like the Pirates, Bob Nutting, they use their economic situation as an excuse. I understand their revenue challenge. OK, they play in Pittsburgh. That’s an issue that the sport probably needs to address sooner than later. But, why do you own the team if you’re not going to look at Paul Skenes and say we’ve got a chance to win around one of the most special players who will ever play here and go for it. They have not shown a hint of doing that. Yeah, it’s malpractice.”
Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.
Complete your personal details to comment