There have been rumors that the Pittsburgh Pirates are interested in extending Paul Skenes. Skenes has been one of the best pitchers in baseball since getting called up last season and looks like he would get a big pay day once he becomes a free agent.

Should Paul Skenes even consider signing an extension with the Pirates?

Paul Skenes is currently in pre-arbitration until after next season. He is currently making $875,000 and will make close to that same number next year as well. He will then have 3 years of arbitration until he becomes a free agent in 2030, where he will likely get one of the biggest contracts a starting pitcher has ever seen. If the Pittsburgh Pirates were smart and also committed to winning, then they should try to extent Skenes through at least a few years of free agency.

Andrew mentioned a rumor that he heard about attempts to do this [extend Skenes]. My response: “Yes.” In that I’ve heard the same. Though, I immediately acknowledged the steep, uphill battle it would be. Full interview and responses can be heard here:https://t.co/HQU1NjICwO https://t.co/lNYu6jj20C

— Dan Zangrilli (@DanZangrilli) August 4, 2025

We all know one thing is for certain, Paul Skenes is a winner. The Pittsburgh Pirates have only had 4 winning seasons in the past 32 years, so it is hard to imagine that this organization will change their ways and start winning again. John Perrotto from Pittsburgh Baseball Now reported that payroll will likely not raise in 2026. Does that seem like a team wanting to contend and win baseball games? It sure doesn’t seem like it to most fans that have been paying attention to how this owner runs the big league club.

Paul Skenes has made 24 starts this season and currently sits with a 1.94 ERA with 162 strike outs in 144.0 innings, He also has 0.93 whip, but the most astounding stat is he actually has a losing record. His record on the year is 7-8, but he shouldn’t be blamed for it at all. The offense ranks almost last in every important category. They currently rank last in home runs (83), OPS (.651), SLUG (.347), and runs (414). There is no denying Ben Cherington has built one of the worst offenses in 2025.

If the Pittsburgh Pirates want Paul Skenes to commit long term to the organization, then he should make sure the team committed to what he wants, which is building a winning team around him. How do they do that exactly? Well first off, Bob Nutting needs to spend more money on free agents. Francisco Liriano is still the biggest free agent contract that the Pirates have ever signed off on and that was back in 2014. Liriano signed for 3 years $39 million dollars and in this day and age, that is embarrassing for a team that is worth well over a billion dollars. The last time the Pirates signed a free agent on a multi-year deal was back in 2016 when the they signed Ivan Nova for 3 years $26 million dollars. This isn’t going to cut it if they want to keep players like Paul Skenes.

We will see what the front office does this offseason, but fans should know by now how this is going to play out. Paul Skenes shouldn’t sign an extension if Bob Nutting refuses to build a team around him and we cant blame Skenes for that.