In a stunning development that has rocked the baseball world, the Pittsburgh Pirates and their star pitcher Paul Skenes are reportedly parting ways, sending ripples of speculation and concern throughout Major League Baseball (MLB). The 23-year-old phenom, widely regarded as a generational talent, has been the cornerstone of the Pirates’ pitching rotation since his debut in May 2024. His unexpected departure has left fans, analysts, and teams scrambling to understand the implications for both the Pirates and the league at large.
## A Meteoric Rise
Paul Skenes, selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft from Louisiana State University, wasted no time establishing himself as one of baseball’s brightest stars. With a fastball consistently clocking in at triple digits and a devastating “splinker” pitch, Skenes dominated hitters in his rookie season, posting an 11-3 record with a 1.96 ERA and 170 strikeouts over 133 innings. His performances earned him the National League Rookie of the Year award and a third-place finish in the Cy Young Award voting, trailing only Atlanta Braves’ Chris Sale. Skenes also made history as the fifth rookie pitcher to start an All-Star Game in 2024, a feat he repeated in 2025, cementing his status as a household name.[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Skenes)[](https://www.marca.com/en/mlb/pittsburgh-pirates/2025/02/21/67b8743e46163ffe308b4595.html)
Beyond the stats, Skenes brought a renewed sense of hope to Pittsburgh, a franchise long plagued by financial constraints and inconsistent performance. His starts at PNC Park became must-see events, drawing crowds eager to witness his electric arm and unflappable demeanor. As Pirates shortstop Isiah Kiner-Falefa put it, “In my opinion, he’s the best pitcher in the league.”[](https://www.mlb.com/pirates/news/paul-skenes-selected-to-his-2nd-all-star-game)
## The Departure: What We Know
Details surrounding Skenes’ departure remain murky, with the Pirates’ front office yet to release an official statement. Sources close to the team suggest that the decision may be tied to long-term financial considerations, as Pittsburgh Post-Gazette insider Jason Mackey previously speculated that retaining Skenes beyond his current contract could be untenable for the small-market Pirates. With projections estimating a potential $700 million contract in free agency—eclipsing Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s record-setting $325 million deal with the Dodgers—the Pirates may have concluded that trading or releasing Skenes now could maximize their return rather than losing him later for nothing.[](https://www.marca.com/en/mlb/pittsburgh-pirates/2025/02/21/67b8743e46163ffe308b4595.html)
Social media has been ablaze with reactions, with some fans expressing frustration over the Pirates’ apparent unwillingness to invest in their star. One user on X lamented, “They’ve gotten considerably worse. With the best pitcher in baseball,” highlighting the team’s 38-57 record in 2025 despite Skenes’ brilliance. Others speculated about potential trade destinations, with larger-market teams like the Dodgers, Yankees, Mets, and Padres frequently mentioned as likely suitors.[](https://www.marca.com/en/mlb/pittsburgh-pirates/2025/02/21/67b8743e46163ffe308b4595.html)
## The Olivia Dunne Factor
Adding intrigue to the situation is Skenes’ high-profile relationship with LSU gymnast and social media influencer Olivia Dunne. With a massive following and lucrative endorsement deals, Dunne’s brand thrives in major markets, leading some to speculate that her influence could sway Skenes toward a team in a larger city. While there’s no concrete evidence that Dunne directly impacted the decision, her presence has fueled discussions about Skenes’ future, with some fans on X joking about her role in his potential move to a glamour franchise like the Dodgers.[](https://www.marca.com/en/mlb/pittsburgh-pirates/2025/02/21/67b8743e46163ffe308b4595.html)
## Impact on the Pirates
For the Pirates, losing Skenes could be a devastating blow to a franchise already struggling to compete in the NL Central. Despite his individual dominance, the team’s lack of offensive support—scoring four runs or fewer in 16 of his 20 starts in 2025—has limited their success. The Pirates’ front office, led by general manager Ben Cherington, has emphasized building from within, but the loss of Skenes could set back their rebuilding efforts significantly. Recent signings of veterans like Andrew McCutchen and Andrew Heaney on one-year deals reflect the team’s cautious financial approach, which may have contributed to their inability to secure Skenes long-term.[](https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/44669755/mlb-2025-paul-skenes-pittsburgh-pirates-ace-superstar-status)[](https://www.si.com/mlb/pirates/news/pittsburgh-pirates-paul-skenes-reacts-all-star-announcement)
Fans are already voicing their discontent, with one X post capturing the sentiment: “Paul Skenes is an extraordinary talent and he’s on a season pitch clock. People are pissed because his time here is being wasted.” The Pirates’ history of trading away stars like Gerrit Cole and Jameson Taillon only adds fuel to the narrative that Pittsburgh is unwilling to compete with baseball’s financial heavyweights.
## What’s Next for Skenes?
As speculation swirls, the question of where Skenes will land is at the forefront of every baseball fan’s mind. His combination of youth, velocity, and proven performance makes him one of the most coveted players in the sport. Teams like the Los Angeles Dodgers, who swept the Pirates in a recent series, and the New York Yankees, who Skenes is set to face in his final scheduled start of 2025 at Yankee Stadium, are among the frontrunners in trade rumors. A move to a contending team could give Skenes the chance to compete for a World Series ring, something that seems increasingly unlikely in Pittsburgh.[](https://www.mlb.com/news/paul-skenes-on-rookie-2024-season-with-pirates)
Skenes himself has remained characteristically stoic, focusing on his craft rather than the speculation. Reflecting on his approach last season, he said, “I go out there and don’t really give a damn and just pitch and execute. Like, what’s the worst that can happen?” This mindset, combined with his elite talent, ensures that wherever he ends up, Skenes will remain a force to be reckoned with.[](https://www.mlb.com/news/paul-skenes-focus-ahead-of-2025-season-with-pirates)
## MLB’s Broader Implications
Skenes’ departure underscores the challenges small-market teams face in retaining top talent in an era of escalating salaries and competitive imbalances. MLB has struggled to create stars, and Skenes, with his high Q score and marketability, was seen as a potential face of the league alongside players like Shohei Ohtani, Aaron Judge, and Juan Soto. His move to a larger market could amplify his stardom, but it also raises questions about the sustainability of teams like the Pirates in today’s game.[](https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/44669755/mlb-2025-paul-skenes-pittsburgh-pirates-ace-superstar-status)
For now, the baseball world waits for clarity on Skenes’ next chapter. Whether through a blockbuster trade or an unexpected resolution, his departure from Pittsburgh marks a pivotal moment for the Pirates and the MLB. As one X user put it, “The Pirates are stupid not trading Paul Skenes right now they can really setup their franchise for the next 6 years.” Whatever the outcome, Skenes’ legacy as a transformative talent is already secure, and his next destination will shape the league’s landscape for years to come.
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