Paul Skenes has already blown up the idea of what a young ace can be. Now the Pittsburgh Pirates’ 23-year-old phenom is doing something you almost never see—he’s helping build the roster himself.
He just won the National League Rookie of the Year and Cy Young Award in his first two seasons. Skenes has stepped into an unofficial recruiter role, actively pitching free agents on the idea that Pittsburgh is on the brink of something special.
Paul Skenes: From Ace to Architect of the Pirates’ Future
Most pitchers his age are still fighting to hold a rotation spot. Paul Skenes is already shaping what the Pirates might look like when they’re ready to win a World Series.
The organization says Skenes has been reaching out directly to potential free agents. He uses his growing stature around the league to sell a simple message: Pittsburgh is close, and it’s time to join the climb.
That kind of initiative is rare from any player, let alone one who’s barely old enough to rent a car. Can you imagine being on the receiving end of that call?
Skenes’ Leadership Extends Beyond the Mound
General manager Ben Cherington and manager Don Kelly both point to Skenes as the standard-bearer for the franchise. They highlight the same themes:
For the Pirates, Skenes’ development isn’t just about his ERA. He’s a young cornerstone who can help define the culture and convince others to buy in.
Addressing the Rumors: Skenes Wants to Win in Pittsburgh
Star players are always getting linked to big-market teams, right? Skenes has made it clear he’s not looking for an exit out of Pittsburgh.
He’s denied any suggestion that he wants to leave, saying his focus is on winning a World Series with the Pirates. The franchise hasn’t done that since 1979.
That’s not just contract talk. He’s putting it out there—he wants to be part of the solution, not some future trade headline.
“Everyone Pushing in the Same Direction”
Skenes keeps saying that turning the Pirates into contenders will take everyone pulling together. His message is simple but pointed: from the front office to the clubhouse, everyone has to push in the same direction.
Pirates’ Aggressive Offseason and Skenes’ Recruiting Role
The Pirates aren’t just sitting on their hands this offseason. They’ve been working the free-agent and trade markets, trying to boost an offense that’s lagged behind their emerging pitching.
Pittsburgh recently made a push for Kyle Schwarber, a proven power bat and postseason force. The offer didn’t land Schwarber, but the attempt itself shows a more aggressive front office.
How Skenes Helps Sell the Pirates’ Vision
This is where Skenes’ recruiter role really matters. He’s using his growing relationships and respect across MLB as an informal ambassador for the organization.
His pitch to players is grounded in:
Cherington says Skenes’ innings on the mound are invaluable. But his voice in shaping how the Pirates are seen around the league is starting to matter just as much.
Beyond the Stats: Skenes as the Face of the Franchise
Last season, Skenes was the Pirates’ nominee for the Roberto Clemente Award. That’s given each year to the player who best represents the game through character, community involvement, philanthropy, and positive contributions on and off the field.
That nomination just backs up what the organization already sees: Skenes isn’t just their best player. He’s becoming the face of the franchise, representing both their present talent and their future ambition.
The Symbol of a New Era in Pittsburgh
In a lot of ways, Skenes stands for everything the Pirates want to become. He’s talented, competitive, and doesn’t shy away from big expectations.
Skenes acts like an ace who recruits. He’s a young star who actually welcomes responsibility and talks about bringing a World Series back to Pittsburgh.
For fans who’ve been waiting—maybe too long—for real relevance, Skenes feels like more than just a dominant arm. He’s the most obvious sign that the Pirates aren’t just waiting for a miracle someday; they’re finally building toward it, with their brightest star leading both on the mound and in the conversations that could shape the roster.
Here is the source article for this story: Paul Skenes tells the Pirates he’s ready to recruit free agents
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