Paul Skenes Eyeing Future with Yankees

Pittsburgh Pirates ace Paul Skenes has made his aspirations clear: he dreams of one day donning the iconic pinstripes of the New York Yankees. According to former teammate Randy Miller, Skenes has expressed his desire multiple times, emphasizing his hopes for a future outside of Pittsburgh.

Current Situation with the Pirates

Since being selected first overall by the Pirates in the 2023 MLB Draft, Skenes has rapidly established himself as a franchise cornerstone. His performance in his debut season (2024) was nothing short of spectacular, earning him a record of 11-3 with an impressive 1.96 ERA and 170 strikeouts over 133 innings pitched. His achievements led to accolades including the National League Rookie of the Year and a third-place finish in the Cy Young Award voting.

This past season, Skenes became the first pitcher in MLB history to start the All-Star Game in both of his first two campaigns. Even while recording a 10-10 record in 2025 with a Pirates lineup that struggled offensively, Skenes still managed to dominate, leading the National League in several key pitching categories, including ERA (1.97) and WHIP (0.95).

Future Prospects and Rumors

As Skenes approaches free agency eligibility in 2030, rumors have surfaced regarding his desire to leave the Pirates in search of a more competitive environment. Miller mentioned that Skenes lacks confidence in the Pirates' ability to win, further fueling speculation about a possible trade.

Pirates General Manager Ben Cherington has been firm in his commitment to keeping Skenes, stating, "He's going to be a Pirate in 2026." Despite acknowledging the buzz surrounding Skenes' rumored interest in the Yankees, Cherington remains focused on building a winning team around him in Pittsburgh.

As Skenes continues to shine on the field, he will be a pivotal player to watch. With team control through 2029 and the possibility of a long-term extension, the Pirates may face a significant decision soon. The Yankees, with their substantial financial resources, could capitalize on any opportunities should Skenes seek a new home.