The Pittsburgh Pirates have had a rough start to the 2025 MLB season, prompting trade rumors around their standout player, Paul Skeens. As of May 23, the Pirates sit 14th in the National League and third in the NL Central Division, with just 17 wins, a record only better than the Colorado Rockies, Chicago White Sox, and Baltimore Orioles. This 17-34 performance is far from what Pirates fans expected, especially given the team’s historic legacy, which includes five World Series titles.
The Pirates’ struggles can largely be attributed to poor offensive output. They rank among the lowest-scoring teams in Major League Baseball, likely due to underinvestment in the roster. Their last World Series victory dates back to 1979. The team has also experienced disappointing overall finishes recently, coming in last in their division in 2024 and only one place higher in 2023.
Despite the team’s challenges, Paul Skeens stands out with solid individual stats. The 22-year-old pitcher holds a 3-5 win-loss record, but boasts a strong 2.44 ERA, ranking 12th best in the MLB as of May 23. He has allowed just 45 hits and 19 runs while striking out 62 batters. Additionally, Skeens ranks 10th in the MLB for WHIP with a batting average against of .190. This impressive performance has sparked speculation among fans about him being traded to a legitimate World Series contender.
Rumors of a Skeens trade have circulated, especially among fans of other MLB teams, but the possibility appears very unlikely. Skeens has several years remaining on his contract, and the Pirates intend to build their team around him, having picked him first overall in the 2023 MLB Draft. General Manager Ben Cherington has firmly denied any trade talks, stating that the idea is not currently being discussed. However, if the Pirates’ poor form persists, such talks could potentially arise. Still, there are no signs of Skeens being traded in 2025, though he might hesitate to re-sign with the Pirates if they fail to contend in the postseason.
Should Skeens become available, many MLB teams would be interested in acquiring him given his star potential. While teams like the Phillies, Tigers, Braves, and Rangers may have less motivation due to their existing pitching strengths, contenders such as the Yankees, Diamondbacks, and Red Sox could show significant interest.
Fan Take: Paul Skeens represents a rare bright spot for the struggling Pirates, and his future moves will be closely watched by fans across baseball. Whether he stays or goes, his development could have major implications for team strategies and the balance of power in the league.
