Pirates Make Paul Skenes Announcement Amid MLB Offseason

As a result of his incredible year in Pittsburgh, Skenes was recognized by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America on Monday.

He was selected as a finalist for the National League Cy Young Award alongside Yoshinobu Yamamoto of the Los Angeles Dodgers and Cristopher Sanchez of the Philadelphia Phillies. The Pirates shared his nomination on X, congratulating their emerging star. “Dominant on the hill, and now Paul Skenes is officially a Cy Young Finalist,” Pittsburgh posted.

Skenes remains the frontrunner to take home the award after a third-place finish in 2024. That placement was not a reflection of his talent, but rather a result of limited innings. He made only 23 starts that season.

The Pirates have now endured seven consecutive losing seasons, and with little sign of a turnaround, Skenes has become one of the most coveted trade targets in baseball. He has four years of team control remaining, making him an especially valuable asset for contenders in need of a frontline ace.

Pittsburgh has a long history of failing to retain its homegrown stars, often opting to trade them before they reach free agency. That track record has fueled speculation about Skenes’ future, even as both sides remain publicly committed to exploring a long-term extension.

The front office has made it clear they are not actively shopping him, but a blockbuster offer could force their hand, especially if the team continues to struggle in 2026.

For now, Skenes remains the face of the franchise and one of the few reasons for optimism in Pittsburgh. His dominance on the mound is undeniable, and his presence gives the Pirates a starting pitcher capable of changing the course of a game every fifth day.