At 23 years old, Paul Skenes is already one of the best pitchers in baseball. After just two seasons with the Pittsburgh Pirates, he’s already established himself as their ace and the face of their franchise.
However, the two-time All-Star needs help. The Pirates have finished last in the NL Central in both of his first two seasons despite his brilliance on the mound.
Skenes wants to win now, and he’s willing to do whatever it takes to make that a reality, even if it involves some extra offseason work on his part.
According to Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the reigning NL Cy Young winner has volunteered to help recruit free agents this winter and try to convince them to come to Pittsburgh.
“Skenes, 23, volunteered his services to general manager Ben Cherington to contact potential free agents around Major League Baseball and pitch to them the idea of playing for the Pirates — acting on his belief that Pittsburgh isn’t far from fielding a winner,” Mackey writes. “It’s just the latest step in Skenes’ leadership evolution, from generational prospect to the face of the Pirates and the best pitcher in baseball.”
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Time will tell if Skenes is able to sway any free agents to sign with the Pirates. His presence alone makes Pittsburgh a more attractive destination, especially if the front office is more aggressive this winter and follows through on its intention to spend more money.
The Pirates already made a competitive offer to Kyle Schwarber, so that’s a good start.
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