The Pittsburgh Pirates finally have their cornerstone in Paul Skenes, the towering ace who just finished a sensational season by unanimously winning the 2025 National League Cy Young Award.
But more than just a personal milestone, Skenes grabbed his moment in the spotlight to talk about loyalty, focus, and the drive to bring a championship back to a city that’s been waiting almost half a century.
This post digs into his remarks, the media’s reaction, and why his leadership really might change the Pirates’ future.
Paul Skenes Wins the Cy Young — and Captures Pittsburgh’s Heart
It’s rare for a player to dominate on the field and also become the emotional center of a franchise.
Paul Skenes pulled it off in 2025, outpacing Cristopher Sanchez and Yoshinobu Yamamoto in a unanimous vote for the league’s top pitching honor.
Despite all those outside rumors — including the one about him wanting to join the Yankees — Skenes shot down any idea of leaving.
He made it clear he’s committed to the Pirates and to Pittsburgh, saying his focus is on winning with the team that drafted him.
Putting Championships Before Personal Glory
Skenes barely mentioned individual accolades.
He quickly shifted the conversation to the Pirates’ 46-year championship drought and pointed out the team hasn’t seen the playoffs in a decade.
His mission? Change that story through hard work and a championship mindset.
He’s already looking ahead to the 2026 season, determined to get even better.
This relentless drive is a big reason fans have “adopted him” and see him as a reflection of Pittsburgh’s gritty, blue-collar spirit.
A Team United Around a Singular Vision
Skenes’ message isn’t just about himself — it’s catching on with the Pirates’ young core.
He brought up teammates like Jared Jones, Henry Davis, and Bubba Chandler — young talents who believe in winning together and building something real in Pittsburgh.
Leadership Beyond the Stat Sheet
Columnist Jason Mackey praised Skenes for more than his pitching.
Mackey compared him to Andrew McCutchen, the charismatic leader who once sparked the Pirates during their brief run in the mid-2010s.
For Mackey, Skenes is more than just another star — he can cut through years of negativity and inspire both the clubhouse and the fans.
Overcoming Frustration and Building Forward
Skenes knows exactly what Pirates fans have been feeling: frustration from all those losing seasons and expectations that never seem to pan out.
Instead of dodging that reality, he’s using it as fuel.
He told reporters that the discontent only pushes him and the team to change the culture, and he stressed that winning has to be a team effort.
His challenge to the organization was simple: everyone needs to pull together to bring pride back to Pittsburgh baseball.
Keys to Creating Something Special
Mackey pointed out the Pirates have a rare opportunity here.
To back Skenes and make the most of his prime, the front office has to:
- Invest in putting quality talent around him
- Make player development a real priority to keep the young core together
- Take some bold swings in free agency and trades
- Build a winning culture from ownership down to the clubhouse
A Turning Point for the Pittsburgh Pirates
Paul Skenes has set the tone for what could be a new era in Pittsburgh sports. His Cy Young Award proves his elite talent.
But there’s more to him than just stats. His words show a fierce competitiveness and a stubborn loyalty to the team.
Skenes wants the Pirates to aim higher than they have in decades. That’s the kind of fire Pittsburgh fans have been waiting for, honestly.
Fans craving a winner may finally have their leader. The challenge now is whether the Pirates can actually match his ambition.
Could this be the team to finally end a drought that’s lasted since 1979? For a city built on resilience and hard work, that’s the kind of baseball future worth fighting for.
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Here is the source article for this story: Jason Mackey: Cy Young winner Paul Skenes used his words. The Pirates darn well better listen
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