Pirates GM Confirms No Paul Skenes Trade Amid Struggles

The Pittsburgh Pirates are experiencing a difficult season, sitting last in the National League Central and struggling offensively, with the lowest run total in MLB this year. Despite trade rumors fueled by the team's poor performance and some media speculation, general manager Ben Cherington has made it clear that trading their young pitching star Paul Skenes is not under consideration. Skenes, the reigning National League Rookie of the Year and an All-Star, has maintained a strong individual performance with a 2.44 ERA, but lack of run support has limited his win totals. Cherington emphasized the organization's commitment to developing position-player prospects rather than moving their prized ace, highlighting Skenes as a cornerstone for the team's future. While some analysts and fans debate whether the Pirates should trade Skenes for multiple assets, the team insists it will hold onto him. The Pirates' frugal payroll and recent managerial changes underscore the challenges they face, but they appear determined to build around Skenes rather than dismantle their young talent.