Paul Skenes, the 22-year-old ace pitcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates, has downplayed trade rumors surrounding his future with the team. When asked about comments from General Manager Ben Cherington that trading him might be “not at all part of the conversation,” Skenes laughed and said it didn’t affect anything.
Skenes believes there’s a big difference between noise and news. He tries to block out speculation, but acknowledges his job is to help create a winning team and organization. If the Pirates decide to trade him, he won’t take it personally, as long as he continues to pitch well.
The right-hander has been a sensation since making his MLB debut in May 2023. Despite the team’s struggles, Skenes has maintained a strong performance, including a complete game loss to the Philadelphia Phillies five days ago. His focus is on helping the Pirates turn their season around and becoming a contender.
Skenes expressed optimism after the Pirates’ 6-5 win over the Milwaukee Brewers in extra innings. He credits improvements made by new manager Don Kelly and believes he’s gaining mastery over his pitching arsenal. With catcher Henry Davis, Skenes says they’re developing chemistry, allowing them to focus on their performance.
Skenes’ confidence in his abilities and commitment to the team are evident in his words. As the Pirates look to make a push for the postseason, fans can expect to see more of this talented young pitcher on the mound.
Source: https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/45292282/pirates-ace-paul-skenes-trade-chatter-says-anybody-play-gm