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Pirates Sign Former First-Round Pick After Paul Skenes Comments

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Zach Kaplan | Last updated May 12, 2025 1:35 PM ET

In the fallout of the Pirates' long-anticipated firing of veteran manager Derek Shelton, many fans have wondered how the Pirates plan to make their roster more competitive while they have Paul Skenes in tow.

Skenes himself chimed in, saying: 'We're 12-26. Someone's gotta be held accountable. Unfortunately, right now, it's him."

The star didn't mince words, and one can only hope that the Pirates front office will now begin making calls to try to win while Skenes is still theirs.

After all, it wouldn't be bad for baseball to watch Skenes making a playoff start in front of a packed PNC Park.

In lieu of a major move, the Pirates are looking to revitalize the career of one former highly-touted prospect.

The team signed Beau Burrows, who was selected by the Detroit Tigers with the 22nd overall pick in the 2015 MLB Draft, to a minor league deal.

Burrows appeared a sure bet to make his debut in 2019 with the Tigers, ranking as their No. 4 prospect in 2018 after a strong 2017 season which saw him post a 25% strikeout rate.

Burrows fell to No. 6 in 2019 but battled shoulder inflammation and bicep tendinitis to begin the season, and he never looked quite the same after the pandemic scrapped the minor league season in 2020.

This season, Burrows has shown vintage stuff, with a fastball up to 97 miles per hour while out of the bullpen for los Tecos de los Dos Laredos in the Mexican League.

Beisbol Puro notes that while Burrows' ERA has been north of 10, his curveball and velocity has caught the attention of major league scouts.

This signing is a low risk, high reward one for the Pirates, who have lost Justin Lawrence to an elbow issue and Tim Mayza to shoulder inflammation and have a relief corps with a dismal 4.24 ERA.

Burrows will almost certainly go to Triple-A Indianapolis, but if he shoves, could be a consideration for a call-up if the Pirates' bullpen continues to struggle.

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

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