UPDATE: Pittsburgh Pirates ace Paul Skenes has voiced urgent concerns about the team’s performance this season, labeling it a “wasted year” if the players fail to learn from their struggles. In a statement made on Friday, Skenes emphasized the critical need for improvement as the Pirates face yet another last-place finish in the NL Central.
Skenes, 23, who is heavily favored to win the Cy Young award, has expressed his disappointment despite his personal success on the mound. The Pirates have dropped 11 of their last 12 games and are poised for their 29th losing season since 1992. “This is a wasted year if we don’t learn what we need to do,” Skenes stated, highlighting the essential adjustments needed moving forward.
The team began the season with aspirations of competing, but a disastrous 12-26 start led to the firing of former manager Derek Shelton. Interim manager Don Kelly has stabilized the situation, yet the Pirates continue to struggle offensively, ranking as the worst in the majors across various categories, including runs and home runs.
As Skenes prepares for what could be his last start of the season next week in Cincinnati, he holds a 2.03 ERA and has recorded 209 strikeouts. However, his record stands at just 10-10, a troubling statistic as no starting pitcher has won the Cy Young with a .500 or worse record. “There’s urgency to it, and we need to understand that and act on it,” he added, stressing the need for collective accountability within the team.
Skenes’ leadership has been noted by Kelly, who praised the young pitcher for his willingness to engage in “tough conversations” and lead by example. Despite the ongoing challenges, Skenes remains optimistic about the potential for growth within the team, implying that significant changes must occur during the offseason.
The Pirates are expected to have a promising rotation next year, featuring Skenes, Mitch Keller, and Bubba Chandler. However, Skenes cautions against premature optimism, recalling last season’s expectations that ultimately led to disappointment. “We thought the same thing at the end of last season, and yet here we are again,” he remarked.
With the winter approaching, Skenes is committed to improving his game, stating, “I know I can get better. Just got to figure out what it is.” He remains dedicated to the Pirates and the community, recently taking time to deliver meals to local first responders.
As speculation grows about potential trades involving Skenes due to his rising value, the Pirates’ management continues to reaffirm their commitment to him. General manager Ben Cherington has not engaged in discussions about contract extensions during the season, but these talks are likely to surface in the offseason.
The urgency for improvement is palpable as Skenes and the Pirates look to make necessary changes to avoid repeating past mistakes. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how the team will respond in the upcoming months, making this a critical juncture for the franchise and its budding star.
