Pirates' sudden willingness to spend should include Paul Skenes

The Pittsburgh Pirates have unexpectedly been willing to spend money on the team this offseason.

The Pirates were heavily involved with designated hitter/outfielder Kyle Schwarber and first baseman Josh Naylor before they signed in Philadelphia and Seattle, respectively. First baseman Ryan O'Hearn (32) signed a two-year, $29 million contract, the first time the Pirates handed out a multiyear contract in free agency since pitcher Ivan Nova received a three-year, $36 million deal in 2016. They are not done targeting top free agents as reports surfaced on Wednesday that the Pirates are interested in pitcher Framber Valdez.

While the Pirates' willingness to spend in free agency is a positive development, it also ignores the impending elephant in the room. Star pitcher Paul Skenes, 23, is slated to reach arbitration for the first time after the 2026 season and will receive a hefty salary increase.

Pittsburgh Pirates extending Paul Skenes would show seriousness about contending

Skenes has arguably been the best starter in baseball since making his debut in 2024. A two-time All-Star, Skenes was named the 2024 NL Rookie of the Year and finished third in the Cy Young vote. He won the NL Cy Young award in 2025 and finished sixth in the NL MVP balloting. Skenes has posted a 1.96 ERA and a 0.948 WHIP over his 320.2 innings, striking out 386 batters with 74 walks.

Given Skenes' dominance, it would make sense for the Pirates to look into an extension. According to Dan Zangrilli on 93.7 FM The Fan, the two sides began discussing an extension in August. However, aside from Zangrilli's report, there have not been many rumors regarding talks between Skenes and the Pirates.

This needs to change. Skenes is the most important player on the Pirates, someone who makes them a favorite to win virtually every time he steps on the mound. Signing Skenes to an extension would show that the Pirates are serious about building a contending team and could help lure other top free agents if they continue to shop at the top of the market. The Blue Jays became more of a free-agent destination once first baseman Vladimir Guerrero signed his long-term deal; the same could happen in Pittsburgh if the Pirates lock Skenes in for the foreseeable future.