The Pittsburgh Pirates are facing backlash after a Paul Skenes contract report surfaced.
Pirates Facing Backlash After New Paul Skenes Contract Report Surfaces originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The Pittsburgh Pirates have failed to reach the postseason since 2015, and with the team currently sitting at 48–64 in last place in the NL Central, that drought appears likely to stretch to a full decade by season’s end.
Despite the team’s struggles, the organization features one undeniable bright spot: NL Cy Young Award frontrunner Paul Skenes.
The 23-year-old superstar has been dominant since his call-up in 2024, winning NL Rookie of the Year and posting a 1.96 ERA over 23 starts.
In 2025, Skenes has continued to impress, earning his second consecutive All-Star selection and starting the game for the National League for the second straight year.
Pittsburgh Reportedly Opens Negotiations With Paul Skenes
Skenes remains under team control with Pittsburgh for four more seasons after 2025 before he becomes eligible for unrestricted free agency.
While many teams have approached the Pirates about acquiring their ace, the front office has made it clear they intend to retain him long-term.
On Monday morning, it was reported that the Pirates have entered preliminary discussions with Skenes about a contract extension, though no official offer has been made.
.@DanZangrilli says on @937thefan the Pirates have been in talks with Paul Skenes about a contract extension. They're trying to get something done.
— Andrew Fillipponi (@ThePoniExpress) August 4, 2025
Pirates Fans Mock Ownership Over Skenes Extension Report
The report sparked frustration among Pirates fans on X, many of whom mocked the organization and ownership for their perceived unwillingness to pay star players.
"I’m willing to bet every asset I own that never happens," said one fan.
Another wrote, "They probably offered him 11 years $30 million total."
"I’ll believe it when I see it," a fan wrote.
One fan added, "No way he stays unless they make a commitment to win and that requires spending more and we know that won’t happen."
"If I am Paul, I sign nothing until I see a real MLB roster being built," suggested a fan.
With Payroll Near League Bottom, Skenes Future Still in Doubt
The Pirates’ total payroll in 2025 sits at $83.8 million, ranking 27th out of 30 MLB teams—a figure that has only fueled skepticism about the team’s ability to lock down Skenes with a long-term deal.
Pittsburgh selected Skenes first overall in the 2023 MLB Draft, and he quickly rose through the minor leagues before debuting in 2024.
Any extension for Skenes would likely be record-breaking given his age, dominance, and the years of prime performance still ahead. In 2025, he leads the league with a 2.02 ERA and has struck out 154 batters over 138 innings.
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 4, 2025, where it first appeared.
Category: Baseball
