The Pittsburgh Pirates’ 2024 season is winding down, and you can feel the frustration — especially from their rising superstar pitcher, Paul Skenes. Even though he’s leading the majors in ERA and is the heavy favorite for the Cy Young Award, Skenes isn’t celebrating.
His main concern? The Pirates look headed for another 90-loss season and a 10th straight year without a playoff appearance.
After a recent game, the 23-year-old phenom didn’t hold back. He called for more accountability, urgency, and smarter decisions from both the players and the front office.
Paul Skenes: Dominance on the Mound, Disappointment in the Standings
While the Pirates have slipped in the standings, Paul Skenes is having a historic individual year. His league-best 2.03 ERA and back-to-back All-Star nods have already put him among baseball’s elite arms.
At just 23, his potential seems sky-high. But Skenes admits his personal stats don’t mean much if the team keeps losing.
He’s already warning that 2025 could be a “wasted year” if the club ignores its ongoing issues.
A Tale of Two Departments: Pitching vs. Offense
The Pirates’ season feels like a split personality. The pitching staff has quietly been outstanding, finishing fifth in MLB with a 3.80 ERA — a number playoff teams would love to have.
On offense, though, it’s rough. Pittsburgh sits dead last in runs scored, home runs, and OPS.
This huge gap keeps showing up in their results. Skenes pointed out that bringing in new talent might help, but real growth has to come from inside the clubhouse too.
Accountability and Urgency From Within
Skenes tries to balance realism and hope in his comments. He says the Pirates “already know the areas that need fixing,” but warns against just sitting back, urging both management and players to step up.
His message? Show up to 2025 ready to compete, or risk another year stuck in neutral.
Key Areas the Pirates Must Address
Skenes’ remarks and the numbers make the Pirates’ offseason priorities pretty obvious:
- Boost Offensive Production – They need more power and contact hitters to wake up the lineup.
- Retain and Build Around the Pitching Core – A top-five ERA should mean something; keep the staff strong.
- Increase Payroll Investment – They’re 24th in payroll, so spending more might actually bring in proven bats.
- Internal Player Development – Players already on the roster have to improve and be held accountable.
The Payroll Factor
The Pirates’ low payroll has frustrated fans and players for years. Winning in today’s MLB usually means spending on impact players.
Skenes hinted that the front office needs to step up if the team wants to compete at a higher level.
Long-Term Vision vs. Immediate Action
There’s always a tricky balance between building for the future and stopping the losing streaks now. Pittsburgh faces the challenge of developing for the long haul while also matching the urgency of a player like Skenes, whose prime has already started.
Letting those years pass without progress? That would sting.
Skenes’ Leadership Emerges
Skenes’ willingness to lead stands out, especially this early in his career. Most young stars focus on their own stats, but he’s making it clear that team culture and work ethic matter just as much.
When he says “there is room to get better in this locker room,” you can tell he wants to spark change from within.
Can Pittsburgh Turn the Corner in 2025?
What the Pirates do this winter will shape how Skenes sees the franchise going forward. It might even affect how long he sticks around as the face of the team.
If they can finally pair their strong pitching with an offense that actually shows up, maybe they snap that ten-year playoff drought. Otherwise, frustration’s just going to keep piling up.
Right now, Pirates fans at least get to watch one of baseball’s best arms lead the way. But will management actually back him up with the right moves to make Pittsburgh a real contender? That’s the big question.
Here is the source article for this story: Paul Skenes warns 2025 is ‘wasted year’ for Pirates — if they don’t learn key lesson
Experience Baseball History in Person
Want to walk the same grounds where baseball legends made history? Find accommodations near iconic ballparks across America and create your own baseball pilgrimage.
Check availability at hotels near: Yankee Stadium, Fenway Park, Wrigley Field, Dodger Stadium
Plan your ballpark visit: Get MLB Ballpark Tickets and find accommodations nearby.
- Biographies
- Stadium Guides
- Current Baseball Players
- Current Players by Team
- Players that Retired in the 2020s
- Players that Retired in the 2010s
- Players that Retired in the 2000s
- Players that Retired in the 1990s
- Players that Retired in the 1980s
- Players that Retired in the 1970s
- Players that Retired in the 1960s
- Players that Retired in the 1950s
- Players that Retired in the 1940s
- Players that Retired in the 1930s