Pirates GM rules out Skenes trade this season

Pittsburgh Pirates general manager Ben Cherington poured cold water on any thought that the team might consider trading ace Paul Skenes this season.

"No. It's not at all part of the conversation," Cherington said Thursday, according to MLB.com's Alex Stumpf.

Skenes has been dominant since making his MLB debut last May. However, the Pirates have continued to struggle in the standings. They finished the 2024 campaign with a 76-86 record and currently sit in the NL Central basement at 17-33.

The 22-year-old owns a 3-5 record with a 2.44 ERA, a 0.94 WHIP, and 62 strikeouts this season. The Pirates have lost seven of Skenes' 10 starts this year, including his first career complete game in his last outing against the Philadelphia Phillies.

Skenes is not eligible for arbitration until 2027. He's scheduled to become a free agent at the conclusion of the 2029 season.

The right-hander owns a lifetime 14-8 record with a 2.12 ERA and 232 strikeouts in 195 2/3 innings.