Paul Skenes Opens Up About Pirates’ Struggles During Candid Interview

Paul Skenes is one of the best pitchers in baseball, winning NL Rookie of the Year and NL Cy Young honors in his first two seasons.

Unfortunately for him, the Pittsburgh Pirates haven’t done much winning since he got there.

Despite Skenes’ brilliance, the Pirates have finished last in the NL Central in both of his seasons. As a starting pitcher who only plays every fifth day, there’s only so much he can do, and even when he does pitch he can’t control his run support.

Coming off an incredibly successful college career where he won a conference championship at Air Force and a national title at LSU, Skenes isn’t accustomed to losing. He opened up about Pittsburgh’s struggles during his appearance on Tuesday’s episode of “The Dan Patrick Show.”

"I was frustrated for a couple of hours and then, kind of, got over it… Obviously it's not true."

– Paul Skenes addresses the rumors of him wanting a trade to the #Yankees. pic.twitter.com/qI3agQyraw

— Dan Patrick Show (@dpshow) November 18, 2025

“Obviously, I haven’t had two great years, team-wise, in Pittsburgh. It’s been an adjustment,” Skenes said. “It’s tough to show up to the field every day and not be bitter sometimes, especially when we’re on a seven or eight-game skid.”

While losing hasn’t been easy for Skenes, he’s learned how to deal with it and keep an even keel as he’s gained Major League experience.

“I think it just comes down to being a professional. I’ve learned more and more how to do that, and just be the same person every day,” Skenes said. “I’m still learning how to do that.”

The 23-year-old ace added that the Pirates’ struggles will only make winning that much sweeter once the franchise turns things around.

“It is energizing to think about what it could be if and when we do win,” Skenes said. “That’s the thing that gets me out of bed.”

More Pirates: Pirates Ace Paul Skenes Speaks Out Against Yankees Rumors