Pirates GM shuts down Paul Skenes trade rumors despite disappointing start

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The Pittsburgh Pirates' general manager Ben Cherington made it clear that, despite the team’s brutal start to the season, they will not trade ace Paul Skenes. 

Skenes, 22, has taken MLB by storm since his debut last year and is already one of the sport's best pitchers. Fans and experts have theorized that moving Skenes now would garner a return in a trade that could propel the Pirates back into contention. 

However, Cherington shut that notion down. 

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Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Paul Skenes (30) looks on against the Philadelphia Phillies in the ninth inning at Citizens Bank Park on May 18, 2025.  (Kyle Ross-Imagn Images)

"No, it's not part of the conversation at all," Cherington said on Wednesday.

The Pirates are 17-34 this season and last in NL Central, and no team has scored fewer runs in baseball. They have scored 151 runs this season, 13 runs less than the next closest team, the Chicago White Sox. 

The Pirates' team batting average is .219, which is the second-lowest in baseball. A trade of Skenes, while he remains under team control for the rest of the decade, would provide the Pirates with a bevy of talent that could infuse their lineup. 

Cherington knows the lineup is an issue, but does not want to trade Skenes. 

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Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Paul Skenes (30) throws a pitch against the Philadelphia Phillies in the third inning at Citizens Bank Park on May 18, 2025.  (Kyle Ross-Imagn Images)

"We've just got to get better," Cherington said. "Let’s play better baseball, and that’s