The Pittsburgh Pirates might have landed a generational expertise in Paul Skenes, however the harsh actuality is that retaining him long-term appears almost unimaginable.
Regardless of Skenes being beneath contract via 2029, many inside the group and throughout Main League Baseball already anticipate that the younger ace will signal a record-breaking deal elsewhere when he hits free company.
Coming off a rare rookie season, Skenes has positioned himself as one of the crucial dominant pitchers within the sport.
Whereas the Pirates are benefiting from his presence now, insiders consider it is solely a matter of time earlier than bigger-market groups come calling with affords Pittsburgh merely will not be capable of match.
Skenes wasted no time making an affect after debuting in mid-Could. By season’s finish, he had put up staggering numbers – an 11-3 document, a 1.96 ERA, and 170 strikeouts over 133 innings. His performances earned him the glory of beginning for the Nationwide League within the All-Star Sport, an achievement that speaks volumes about his expertise.
Unsurprisingly, Skenes was named the NL Rookie of the Yr, solidifying his standing as one in every of baseball’s brightest younger stars.
With an overwhelming fastball and elite command, he has already drawn comparisons to a few of the sport’s all-time greats. If he continues at this stage, his free company might be one of the crucial anticipated in MLB historical past.
The Large Contract That Awaits
In response to Pittsburgh Put up-Gazette insider Jason Mackey, the Pirates have all however accepted that retaining Skenes past his present contract is unrealistic.
Given the way in which MLB salaries proceed to rise, Mackey believes Skenes might command a deal price as a lot as $700 million – a determine that may shatter the present document for a pitcher, held by Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s 12-year, $325 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
For a small-market staff like Pittsburgh, providing that form of cash is solely out of the query. Which means groups just like the Dodgers, Yankees, Mets, and Padres are the almost definitely suitors as soon as Skenes reaches free company.
Might Olivia Dunne Play a Function in Skenes’ Future?
One potential X-factor in Skenes‘ resolution is his relationship with Olivia Dunne, the LSU gymnast and social media sensation. With thousands and thousands of followers and profitable endorsement offers, Dunne has constructed a model that thrives in main markets.
Whereas it stays unclear whether or not she’s going to affect Skenes‘ resolution, private and way of life components usually play a job when athletes select their subsequent vacation spot.
For now, the Pirates are centered on maximizing Skenes‘ affect whereas he is nonetheless sporting black and gold. However as every season passes, the probability of him taking the mound elsewhere sooner or later solely grows stronger.
