For now, Paul Skenes is saying all the right things about trying to win with the Pirates before what pundits and fans believe is an inevitable trade to or signing with a big-market team like the Dodgers, Yankees or Mets.
The reigning NL Cy Young winner and Pirates ace shot down a report that he’s already pining to be a Yankee and even telling teammates as such, acknowledging Tuesday on the “Dan Patrick Show” that the story bothered him.
“I was frustrated for a couple of hours and then kind of got over it and talked to the media later that night,” Skenes said.
“There’s stuff that’s going to come out, good and bad, obviously it’s not true.”
Skenes is in the unenviable position of playing for one of the cheapest organizations in sports that makes little effort to retain its stars, which ultimately leads to plenty of rumors and speculation about when he will leave for greener — and much more lucrative — pastures later in his career.
Yankees ace Gerrit Cole went through this same song and dance after also being drafted No. 1 overall by Pittsburgh, spending the first five years of his career with the Pirates before being traded to the Astros for two years. He later signed a then-record nine-year, $324 million deal with the Yankees.
Many expect a similar path for Skenes, and a report emerged recently that alleged Skenes has already told teammates about how he wants to be a Yankee.
Skenes, who is under Pirates control for four more years, said he’s just focused on building Pittsburgh into a winner and would regret exiting without accomplishing that feat.
He mentioned how he helped lead Air Force to a conference title before heading to LSU, where he won a national title.
“That’s how it feels right now,” Skenes said.
Paul Skenes during a start at Yankee Stadium in 2024. Robert Sabo for NY Post
“That’s what’s on the horizon for us, we just have to do it. Leaving before that would leave a bad taste in my mouth because there’s work to be done that we didn’t do.”
There’s only so much Skenes can do, though, and the Pirates are not known for showing a true financial commitment to winning.
Skenes went just 10-10 despite posting a league-best 1.97 ERA last season to win his first Cy Young, and the Pirates finished 71-91.
Pittsburgh won 76 in Skenes’ initial season.
ESPN reported the Pirates are interested in free-agent slugger Kyle Schwarber, which would help the cause, but there’s a difference between showing interest and actually paying a player.
Short of signing a few marquee players, the Pirates could be in for another tough year.
Skenes acknowledged that the losing — which he wouldn’t deal with in say, Los Angeles or The Bronx or Flushing — is wearing on him.
“It’s tough,” Skenes said. “It’s a huge adjustment. The Air Force is the winningest organization in the world, and I go to LSU and win a national championship. Obviously, I haven’t had two great years team-wise in Pittsburgh, so it’s been adjustment. It’s tough not to show up to the field every day and be bitter sometimes, especially we’re on a seven-, eight-game skid. I think it just comes down to being professional. I’ve learned more and more how to do that and be the same person each day.
“It is energizing to think about what it could be, if and when we do win, so that’s the thing that gets me out of bed.”