The Pittsburgh Pirates are off to a rough start this season, leading to the firing of manager Derek Shelton. Rumors have been swirling about the possible trade of superstar pitcher Paul Skenes, who has been a sensation since his rookie year in 2024. The thought of parting ways with Skenes may be hard for Pirates fans to swallow, but the potential return in MLB-level players and prospects could soften the blow. However, MLB Network insider Jon Heyman put an end to the trade talks by confirming that Skenes is not on the trading block.
According to a Pirates source, there is “no chance, no way, no how” that Skenes will be traded. Despite the logic behind such a move, the Pirates are committed to building their team around the generational talent of Skenes. The young pitcher has already made a significant impact in the league, winning the National League Rookie of the Year in 2024 and earning a spot on the NL All-Star team. With his impressive performance in 2025, it’s no wonder that many teams would be interested in trading for Skenes.
Although the idea of a Skenes trade is intriguing, the Pirates are not entertaining it at the moment. Skenes’ success on the field and his potential for the future make him a valuable asset that the Pirates are not willing to part ways with. The team remains focused on their goal of building a competitive roster around Skenes, ensuring that he stays a cornerstone of their franchise for years to come.
