Pirates GM Confirms No Trade for Ace Paul Skenes This Offseason

UPDATE: Pittsburgh Pirates General Manager Ben Cherington has confirmed that the team will not be trading star pitcher Paul Skenes this offseason, effectively putting an end to speculation that could have reshaped Major League Baseball‘s landscape. Cherington made the announcement at the General Managers meetings on November 14, 2023, stating that while he regularly receives inquiries about Skenes, the answer remains consistent: he is not available.

“The question gets asked, and it’s always respectful,” Cherington noted, emphasizing the ongoing interest from other clubs. However, he quickly dismissed the prospects of a trade, reinforcing Skenes as an integral part of the Pirates’ future.

The 23-year-old Skenes has emerged as one of the best pitchers in the league, boasting an impressive 1.97 ERA over 187.2 innings during the 2025 season. Despite his stellar performance, which included being named an All-Star and being a frontrunner for the NL Cy Young Award, the Pirates finished the season with a dismal 71-91 record, placing last in the National League Central for the second consecutive year.

Given his potential and value, trading Skenes would likely yield a substantial return for the Pirates. However, Cherington emphasized the team’s commitment to building around him as a key component in their strategy to reach the postseason for the first time since 2015.

In light of the disappointing offensive performance last season, where the Pirates ranked last in the majors in runs scored, Cherington revealed that the team’s priority this winter will be to enhance their lineup. “Run scoring was the thing that got in our way more than anything. We’ve got to add to that,” he explained, indicating a focus on improving the offense.

Looking ahead, the Pirates are expected to make moves to add talent, with Cherington noting they have more payroll flexibility this offseason. The team also boasts a promising rotation, including veteran Mitch Keller and top prospect Bubba Chandler.

As the offseason unfolds, all eyes will be on the Pirates as they navigate trades and free agency, aiming to turn their fortunes around in the coming season. Fans and analysts alike will be eager to see how the team capitalizes on its pitching strength while addressing offensive weaknesses.

Stay tuned for more updates on the Pirates’ offseason strategies and potential player movements as they prepare for the 2026 season.