Pirates Make Paul Skenes, Andrew McCutchen Decision Before Trade Deadline

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin M. Groe | Last updated Jun 27, 2025 3:53 PM ET

Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher, Paul Skenes, is currently playing in his second season for the team after being selected first overall in 2023 MLB Draft.

Since his call-up to the majors in May 2024, he’s quickly cemented himself as Pittsburgh’s ace and claimed NL Rookie of the Year honors last season.

Andrew McCutchen is in his 17th major league season since being drafted in the first round of the 2005 MLB Draft by the Pirates.

After spending his first nine seasons with Pittsburgh, he was traded to the San Francisco Giants bouncing around with a few other teams before returning to the Pirates in 2023.

Though they’re at drastically different points in their careers, the Pirates have made it clear that both Skenes and McCutchen will remain in Pittsburgh for the rest of the 2025 season.

"Ace right-hander Paul Skenes and franchise icon Andrew McCutchen are the Pirates’ only untouchables, according to officials briefed on the team’s plans," wrote The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal.

Through 17 starts in 2025, Skenes has an impressive 2.12 ERA and 110 strikeouts—though Pittsburgh’s lack of run support has left him with a 4–7 record.

McCutchen—a five-time All-Star, 2013 NL MVP and Pirates legend—is still delivering at the plate. He’s hitting .259 with eight home runs and a .744 OPS this year, all while bolstering the clubhouse with his veteran presence.

Pittsburgh sits at 32–50—stuck at the bottom of the NL Central and 16.5 games back of the division lead. With their postseason hopes all but extinguished, the front office is prepared to shop any pieces outside of Skenes and McCutchen.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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