The Pittsburgh Pirates have endured a dismal begin to the season thus far, and MLB followers are beginning to hear commerce rumors involving star participant Paul Skeens.
Why are the Pittsburgh Pirates struggling in 2025?
As of Could 23, the Pittsburgh Pirates are 14th within the Nationwide League and third within the Nationwide League Central Division, with solely the Colorado Rockies, Chicago White Sox, and Baltimore Orioles having fewer wins, with 17 wins thus far.
A 17-34 file is just not precisely what Pirates followers had in thoughts at this stage of the season, particularly contemplating Pittsburgh’s wealthy historical past with 5 World Sequence championships.
Up to now, the Pittsburgh Pirates, who’re enjoying franchises in three- or four-game blocks of 16 collection in MLB, have received simply 5 video games, defeating the St. Louis Cardinals (2-1), Washington Nationals (3-1), Los Angeles Angels (2-1), Atlanta Braves (2-1) and Cincinnati Reds (2-1).
A big a part of the explanation why the Pirates are struggling is because of their weak offensive potential. They have been one of many lowest scoring groups in MLB as a result of they did not have sufficient funding within the workforce. The final time they received the World Sequence was in 1979.
It has been a tricky few years for the Pirates total, ending final within the Nationwide League Central division in 2024 and just one spot increased in 2023.
One one who cannot take a lot of the blame for the Pirates’ lackluster 2025 season is Paul Skeens. That is as a result of the teen has put up some sturdy numbers regardless of holding a file of three wins and 5 losses thus far.
Actually, the 22-year-old has a formidable 2.44 ERA, the twelfth finest in MLB as of Could 23, whereas permitting simply 45 hits and 19 runs, placing out 62 batters within the course of.
The Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher at present ranks tenth in WHIP within the MLB rankings with a batting common of .190, and that efficiency has different MLB followers questioning if he ought to be traded for a real World Sequence contender.
Will the Pittsburgh Pirates commerce Paul Skeens?
There have been rumors of a commerce for Paul Skeens amongst supporters of MLB franchises exterior of Pittsburgh, however the possibilities of any motion occurring appear slim to none.
The 22-year-old nonetheless has a number of years left on his contract with Pittsburgh, and it is clear the Pirates plan to construct the workforce round their star pitcher after deciding on Skeens with the No. 1 total choose within the 2023 MLB Draft.
Pittsburgh Pirates common supervisor Ben Cherington instantly denied any commerce rumors involving Paul Skeens, saying no conversations have but taken place about it.
Requested in regards to the Paul Skeens commerce, Cherington stated: “No, that is not a part of the dialog.”
This sturdy stance strongly means that the Pirates aren’t even contemplating potential commerce talks for Paul Skeens, but when this type of poor efficiency continues, talks might start.
Talks about shifting him out of Pittsburgh in 2025 are unlikely, however Skeens is probably not prepared to signal an extension if the Pirates do not make the World Sequence.
Which MLB franchise will signal Paul Skeens?
Many MLB groups will probably take into account signing Paul Skeens if he half methods with the Pirates and his numbers mirror a star who might develop into one of many highest-paid gamers in MLB.
Groups just like the Philadelphia Phillies, Detroit Tigers, Atlanta Braves and Texas Rangers is probably not as as a result of they have already got star pitchers.
Nevertheless, there might be curiosity from groups close to or already within the World Sequence, such because the New York Yankees, Arizona Diamondbacks, and Boston Pink Sox.
