Paul Skenes has officially become the face of a franchise—and perhaps the most electrifying pitcher in baseball. The 23-year-old Pittsburgh Pirates ace just clinched the 2025 National League Cy Young Award, capping a meteoric rise that’s rewriting both Pirates history and MLB expectations.
From Rookie Sensation to Cy Young Dominance
Skenes’ journey is the stuff of baseball legend. Drafted first overall by the Pirates in 2023, he stormed into the majors in 2024, earning
NL Rookie of the Year honors with a dazzling debut season. But 2025 was the year he truly arrived: Skenes posted a league-best
1.96 ERA, struck out a franchise-record
216 batters in 187.2 innings, and became the first Pirate to win the Cy Young since Doug Drabek in 1990.
What makes his achievement even more remarkable? He did it on a Pirates team that finished with a modest 10-10 record in his starts, underscoring just how dominant he was even when run support was scarce.
Trade Rumors Swirl—But Skenes Stays Loyal
No sooner had Skenes hoisted his Cy Young trophy than the rumor mill exploded. Reports surfaced claiming he wanted a trade to the New York Yankees, a narrative fueled by the Pirates’ reputation for trading away stars before they hit free agency. But Skenes wasted no time shutting down the speculation.
“I’m on the Pirates. My goal is to win with the Pirates,” Skenes told reporters, dismissing the Yankees rumors as baseless. He emphasized his commitment to ending Pittsburgh’s 46-year World Series drought, saying, “This is why I’m going to show up to the ballpark, and I’m going to work to get everybody pushing in the same direction. I know there are other guys who are going to do the same. That’s all the truth”.
The Making of a Modern Ace
Skenes’ rise isn’t just about stats—it’s about changing the narrative for a long-suffering franchise. He’s become a symbol of hope for Pirates fans, who haven’t seen a playoff berth since 2015. His work ethic, leadership, and ability to thrive under pressure have made him a clubhouse cornerstone and a media sensation.
He’s also challenging modern pitching conventions. In an era where pitch counts are strictly managed, Skenes and his coaches believe today’s elite arms can handle more, harkening back to the days of workhorse starters.
What’s Next for Skenes and the Pirates?
With Skenes under team control until at least 2029, the Pirates have a rare opportunity to build around a generational talent. The front office faces mounting pressure to surround him with enough talent to contend, lest they risk repeating the cycle of trading away stars.
For now, Skenes is focused on the present: “The goal is to win, and the goal is to win in Pittsburgh”. If his first two seasons are any indication, the Pirates’ long wait for October glory might finally be nearing its end.
Sources
1. Former Air Force Falcon, Paul Skenes Named 2025 NL Cy Young ...
2. Paul Skenes Shoots Down Report He Wants To Play For Yankees
3. Skenes denies Yankees report, focused on Pirates
4. MLB 2025: Inside Paul Skenes' journey to superstar status - ESPN UK
5. Pirates’ Paul Skenes wins NL Cy Young award a season after winning Rookie of the Year
6. Paul Skenes Stats, Age, Position, Height, Weight, Fantasy & News
7. UNANIMOUS! ☠️ Paul Skenes has won the 2025 NL Cy Young ...
8. Tarik Skubal and Paul Skenes are your 2025 Cy Young Award ...
9. Skenes shuts down trade talk: 'My goal is to win in Pittsburgh'
10. Dodgers dominated by Paul Skenes as Pirates complete sweep
