Pirates, Paul Skenes Reportedly Begin Contract Extension Talks

The Pittsburgh Pirates are laboring through another losing season, but there’s reason for optimism surrounding the team, due in large part to their superstar ace, Paul Skenes. Since arriving in the majors last season, Skenes has been a revelation on the mound for the Pirates, and it sounds like the front office is working on finding a way to lock him up for the long-term future.

Pittsburgh selected Skenes with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft, and he promptly flew through the minors to find his way to the pros less than a year after he was drafted. Skenes promptly continued to dominate, as he posted an 11-3 record with a 1.96 ERA and 170 strikeouts, earning him an All-Star selection and the National League Rookie of the Year Award.

In 2025, Skenes has continued to mow down opposing hitters with his trademark efficiency. He has a 6-8 record with a league-leading 2.02 ERA and 154 strikeouts, earning him another All-Star selection. This time around, though, Skenes has found himself leading the NL Cy Young race, as he’s currently the betting favorite to take home the award.

Considering how he’s only 23 years old, Skenes is arguably the most valuable player in the league right now. The Pirates are well aware they have a stud on their hands, and according to a recent report, they have begun discussions with Skenes about a potential long-term contract extension.

“Dan Zangrilli says on 93.7 The Fan the Pirates have been in talks with Paul Skenes about a contract extension. They’re trying to get something done,” Andrew Fillipponi of 93.7 The Fan shared in a post on X.

Regardless of when Skenes gets his new contract, he’s going to become a very rich man. Not many people in the majors can throw a baseball like Skenes, let alone at the age of 23. That sort of talent gets you paid, and in a time where MLB contracts continue to reach astronomical totals, Skenes appears set to earn a potentially groundbreaking deal.

Skenes is still under team control for four more seasons, so Pittsburgh doesn’t necessarily have to rush to get a deal done. However, the sooner they can lock him up on a huge new deal, the better, and the front office appears to understand the task they have at hand with their new superstar pitcher.

More MLB: Ex-Pirates Stars Have Wildly Different Debuts For New Teams