Paul Skenes Sets the Record Straight: No Desire to Leave Pirates

The Cy Young Moment

Paul Skenes, fresh off winning the National League Cy Young Award, seized the spotlight not only for his remarkable achievement but also to quell growing whispers surrounding his future with the Pittsburgh Pirates. While accolades piled up for the long-anticipated ace, so did questions regarding his intentions for the coming seasons.

"I don't know where that came from," Skenes stated, addressing the rumor that he expressed a desire to move on, particularly to the New York Yankees. "The goal is to win, and the goal is to win in Pittsburgh."

Addressing the Rumors

Despite reports hinting that Skenes had confided to teammates his eagerness to seek a trade, the pitcher firmly rejected such claims, bringing clarity amidst chaos. He emphasized his commitment to the Pirates, stating: "The way that fans see us outside of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh is not supposed to win. There are 29 fan bases that expect us to lose. I want to be a part of the 26 guys that change that." This battle cry reflects a player who not only has strong individual goals but also a collective vision for the team.

GM's Perspective

Adding to the discourse, Pirates general manager Ben Cherington also dismissed any notion of a trade. During the MLB general managers meeting, he noted that while teams expressed interest, the responses were always "respectful" but firm. He reiterated, "The answer's been consistent." With Skenes firmly under team control for the rest of the decade, it appears the organization's commitment is just as strong as the pitcher's.

Looking Ahead

Despite the Pirates finishing last in the National League Central at 71-91, Skenes remains optimistic about the team's potential. As the first pitcher since Dwight Gooden to win both Rookie of the Year and a Cy Young Award in consecutive seasons, his statistics from 2025 tell a powerful story. Leading the majors with an ERA of 1.97 and striking out 216 batters in 187⅓ innings during his first full season reflects not just a Monfort of talent but a determination to lift his team's fortunes.

"It allowed me to try some new things in August and September that I wouldn't have gotten to try if we were playing for the playoffs," Skenes reflected on the tail end of the season, illustrating how to adapt and grow even amid challenging circumstances.

Conclusion: A Commitment to Change

Paul Skenes's rejection of trade rumors after his Cy Young win is more than just a denial; it's a pledge to his teammates and fans. His pursuit for victory is not just personal but one that aims to flip the narrative surrounding the Pirates. The future is bright if Skenes leads the charge, and his heart for the game assures the fans that change is not just a dream but a developing reality.

As sports enthusiasts, we should embrace this narrative of loyalty and drive. It's vibrant stories like Skenes' that keep the heart of baseball beating strong. I look forward to seeing how Skenes and the Pirates can turn speculation into solid performance on the field, making waves through the league this season.