The Pittsburgh Pirates have a loyalty issue. Their fans are longing to see them win a championship, but their players like Paul Skenes are hesitant about signing long-term deals. The Pirates’ loyal fanbase is left frustrated amid the mismanagement.
The recent fan fest hosted by the Pirates exposed the franchise’s ongoing struggles. It was rookie sensation Skenes’ non-committal response that caught everyone’s attention. Fans had gathered to celebrate the upcoming season, but instead, they were met with the familiar refrain of “Sell the Team” directed at ownership. Adding to the whole situation, Skenes himself cleared his motives regarding the franchise.
“I haven’t given it too much thought,” he said, per Associated press’ Will Graves.
The Dodgers are out here signing everyone, while the Pirates can’t even spell their MVP’s name right, and Paul Skenes says he hasn’t heard anything about an extension pic.twitter.com/Z5CdtwTe3x
— Fuzzy (@fuzzyfromyt) January 20, 2025
As the event kicked off, tense exchanges unfolded between fans and the front office. It was all put on owner Bob Nutting, and he had to bear the brunt of the criticism. Many supporters perceive a lack of commitment to building a winning team, which is evident in the franchise’s history of trading star players rather than investing in their contracts. Skenes, who shined in his debut with an impressive 11-3 record and a 1.96 ERA, was asked about securing a long-term deal.
However, the star pitcher remained ambiguous. He unintentionally expressed what many upset fans feel. They are eager for reassurance about the team’s future. Should the Pirates fail to lock down a long-term contract with Skenes, blame would inevitably land at Nutting’s doorstep once again.
Also Read: Former NL MVP Andrew McCutchen Returns To The Pittsburgh Pirates On A One-Year, $5 Million Deal
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Paul Skenes’ Situation Is Upsetting Pirates Fans
While management clearly faces pressure to give their fans something to cheer about, they did not expect the recent turnarounds. The front office is not taking the charge it should to clear their stance on Skenes, and the supporters are not having it.
“No fucking way I’m staying in Pittsburgh if I’m Skenes. Don’t Mike Trout your career on a nothing franchise,” a fan commented.
No fucking way I'm staying in Pittsburgh if I'm Skenes. Don't Mike Trout your career on a nothing franchise.
— uAlreadyChode (@u_chode10315) January 20, 2025
“The Dodgers do not hold the patent on winning. Yea, they did win it this past year. But their process does not appear to be sustainable for the long term,” another fan wrote.
The Dodgers do not hold the patent on winning. Yea, they did win it this past year. But their process does not appear to be sustainable for the long term.
— JustGettingThrough (@elecsubops) January 20, 2025
“Skenes just waiting to get recalled by the Dodgers,” a user quipped.
Skenes just waiting to get recalled by the Dodgers.
— Jimmy Fingers (@JimmyFingers19) January 20, 2025
“Zero shot the Pirates were taken on that kind of risk of giving a rookie that throws 100 mile an hour a 6–8 year extension,” added another.
Zero shot the Pirates were taken on that kind of risk of giving a rookie that throws 100 mile an hour a 6–8 year extension.
— Otis Mcalhany (@CoachMacHTX) January 20, 2025
“Absolutely zero chance the Pirates are extending Paul Skenes at all, but they certainly aren’t doing it while he’s making league minimum in pre-arb. His response said it all though, he’s there as long as they control him, and then he gone,” an agitated fan wrote.
Absolutely zero chance the Pirates are extending Paul Skenes at all, but they certainly aren’t doing it while he’s making league minimum in pre-arb.
— Mojo (@Mayor_Mojo) January 20, 2025
His response said it all though, he’s there as long as they control him, and then he gone.
“Why on earth would Paul Skenes sign an extension with the Pirates right now?” a user enquired.
Why on earth would Paul Skenes sign an extension with the Pirates right now?
— Will Storey (@W_Storey) January 20, 2025
The Pirates must address their fans’ anger. Going forward, the offseason has to be a fulfilling event for their supporters. There is much to do and much to consider before making a move.
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