Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images

Pirates’ Paul Skenes Makes Offseason Move on Saturday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ayomide Adeduyite | Last updated Jan 3, 2026 2:52 PM ET

Paul Skenes entered the 2025 season with sky-high expectations after being selected No. 1 overall in the 2023 MLB Draft and flashing elite talent in parts of his debut campaign. In his first full season with the Pittsburgh Pirates, the right-hander dominated opposing hitters, earning unanimous selection as the 2025 National League Cy Young Award winner thanks to a sub-2.00 ERA and an overwhelmingly strong body of work on the mound.

Skenes’ performance earned him his second All-Star nod and cemented his status as one of baseball’s most fearsome starters. The Pirates, meanwhile, struggled to translate Skenes’ brilliance into team success. Pittsburgh finished 71-91 and last in the National League Central, a disappointing result that underscored the club’s offensive and pitching inconsistencies outside of its ace.

Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes (30).© Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

With the 2026 campaign now in view, the focus of the Buccos has been building around Skenes as they prepare for his second full season. The Pirates clearly view him as the cornerstone of their rotation and a player around whom they can construct a competitive roster. Skenes is expected to again be Pittsburgh’s standout, carrying heavy expectations after his award-winning campaign and serving as a leader on a young pitching staff.

So far this offseason, the Pirates acquired All-Star second baseman Brandon Lowe from the Tampa Bay Rays and signed free agents in All-Star first baseman/designated hitter Ryan O'Hearn and All-Star reliever Gregory Soto, among other moves.

As the offseason gradually draws to a close, Skenes made a high-profile trip to Buffalo to meet Buffalo Bills quarterback and reigning NFL MVP Josh Allen, and the two stars exchanged jerseys.

The MLB reacted to the moment on X: “Reigning NL Cy Young Reigning NFL MVP.”

Reigning NL Cy Young Reigning NFL MVP

Paul Skenes took a trip to Buffalo to meet Josh Allen and they swapped jerseys!

: @livvydunne pic.twitter.com/eCc0n0lHkY
— MLB (@MLB) January 3, 2026

It’s likely Skenes was in town to watch the Bills take on the New York Jets in their Week 18 finale on Sunday.

While the 23-year-old continues to enjoy a well-deserved offseason rest, he and the Pirates will hope they can turn things around when the 2026 MLB season resumes in late March.

The team will begin spring games in the Grapefruit League on Feb. 21 and will take on the Baltimore Orioles in Sarasota, Florida, as part of preparing for the new campaign. Their hopes rest heavily on improvements around Skenes, whose arm remains the most exciting reason for optimism in Pittsburgh.

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

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