Pittsburgh Pirates’ ace Paul Skenes, reigning National League Rookie of the Year and a huge part of the franchise, recently brushed off trade speculation, calling it nothing but “noise.” He addressed the media chatter and fan theories, stressing his commitment to the Pirates—even with the team struggling this season.
Skenes had a stellar May on the mound and is building chemistry with key teammates. He’s keeping his focus on improving his game and helping Pittsburgh aim for a better future.
Paul Skenes Dismisses Trade Rumors
Trade rumors about young stars pop up all the time, and Skenes knows the drill as a former first-overall MLB draft pick. The idea that the Pirates would trade their ace just doesn’t line up with reality.
Skenes laughed off the rumors, saying, “Anybody can play GM,” and pointed out he hadn’t even heard the team’s general manager, Ben Cherington, mention it.
Cherington, for his part, made it clear: moving Skenes isn’t even on the table. His comments highlight just how much Skenes means to a Pirates team that’s dealing with offensive struggles and a lack of established position player prospects.
Why the Rumors Persist
Even with Cherington and Skenes speaking up, trade rumors always swirl around struggling teams. The Pirates are dead last in Major League Baseball in runs scored—a stat that makes other teams wonder if Pittsburgh might deal their top pitcher as part of a rebuild.
Still, Cherington’s stance is pretty unwavering. Skenes is central to the Pirates’ long-term plans, and it’s hard to imagine them letting him go.
A Rookie Season Worth the Hype
Since going first overall in the 2023 MLB Draft, Skenes has lived up to the “generational talent” hype. His rookie season’s been remarkable—he just put up a 2.32 ERA over five starts in May.
For a team desperate for something to celebrate, Skenes’ consistency on the mound has been a real bright spot during a rough year.
The Pirates’ offensive woes have sometimes overshadowed what Skenes has done. The team tied an MLB record with a painful 26-game streak without scoring more than four runs.
Still, Skenes stays locked in on his job: giving the team a chance every time he pitches. He’s not letting the noise distract him.
Leadership During a Challenging Stretch
In the middle of a tough season, Skenes has shown the kind of leadership and resilience every rebuilding team needs. He’s praised the Pirates’ effort lately, saying there’s been “a little bit more fight” since Don Kelly took over as manager.
Skenes is working on his connection with catcher Henry Davis, too. That partnership could be a big deal for the Pirates in the future.
Optimism Growing in Pittsburgh
After grabbing a much-needed win over the Milwaukee Brewers, the team feels a bit more optimistic about turning things around. For Skenes, that victory felt like a possible turning point.
He mentioned some relief and a bit of hope that better days could be ahead. That optimism isn’t just about one win—it’s rooted in Skenes’ belief in the team’s growth and his own place as a cornerstone.
He gets that trades can happen in baseball and said he wouldn’t take it personally if it ever did. But right now? Skenes sees no reason to expect a trade and is focused on helping the Pirates build some momentum.
The Road Ahead
Paul Skenes stands for more than just elite pitching. He brings hope to a franchise desperate to build a winning culture.
He’s brushed off trade rumors, showing real commitment to the Pirates and their vision. That’s not something fans take for granted these days.
With an ace leading the way and young talent popping up around him, there’s a fresh fight brewing in the clubhouse. Pittsburgh might be closer to turning things around than their record lets on.
Skenes’ performance and leadership will shape the Pirates’ chances as the season unfolds. No matter what people say about trades, he’s locked in on helping Pittsburgh win—and honestly, that’s just what the Pirates need right now.
Here is the source article for this story: Skenes on trade chatter: ‘Anybody can play GM’
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