Any team would go to all lengths to keep a once-in-a-lifetime pitcher like Paul Skenes. They wouldn’t mind building a winning team around his generational arm. However, if the team is the Pittsburgh Pirates, they certainly wouldn’t go out of their way to keep him. Just last off-season, they passed their chance to build a team around Skenes, but they passed. Similarly, this off-season, the chances of Bob Nutting to splurge for his team are painfully low.

When GM Ben Cherington was asked about trading Skenes, he didn’t flinch, stating, “Not at all a part of the conversation”, however, just the fact that his name is all over the trade talks is enough. Cause, for the Pirates, with the playoff odds as bad as 0.3%, they are deep in the mud. To top it all off, just add Nutting’s ownership approach, and you’d know how reasonable the idea of trading Skenes is.

Moreover, it’s been weeks since the endless speculations have hovered over Skenes’ trade. Now, Ken Rosenthal from The Athletic has dropped the ultimate update that makes all the sense. You’ll know why!

He stated, “If Cherington is not going to be the GM beyond this season, then why the heck would Nutting trust him to move Skenes?” Where does this idea stem from?

Well, after Derek Shelton was dismissed from his managerial duties on May 8th, Cherington seemed safe in the Pirates only for that one unwritten rule. It’s just that usually teams tend to refrain from swapping the operation heads in the mid-stretch of the season. Given Cherington’s journey as a GM, a key factor of Nutting’s decision in trading Skenes would be to let the next GM handle his trade.

Under Cherington, no star hitter from the Pirates’ farm system has developed since 2019. The Pirates utilized their top draft picks, such as Nick Gonzales, Henry Davis, and Termarr Johnson, between 2020 and 2022.

However, none of them has really made an impact. So, it might not be surprising if we see a new GM after this season. Also, do you want to hear from Skenes about the ongoing buzz around Cherington?

Paul Skenes opens up about the GM chatter

After the Pirates went up against the Milwaukee Brewers and handed them a 6–5 extra-innings loss, Skenes opened up about Cherington and the ongoing word around his uncertainty in Pittsburgh.

Skenes, being his classic composed self, subtly stated, “It doesn’t affect anything; anybody can play GM.” Let’s not forget that this is just after when Ben Cherington publicly shut down the Skenes’ trade buzz. Then, he emphasized Cherington’s loyalty towards the team and how he will always do the best, even if that means trading him.

He said, “Cherington is going to look out for what’s best for the Pirates. If he feels trading me is the right way to go, then he feels that’s the right way to go.” Cherington hasn’t shown much of his impact in producing stars from the farm system. However, Skenes still believes that he’ll always decide the best for the Pirates.

The Pirates are, in fact, right on track for their seventh straight losing season. Moreover, the Pirates nation itself doesn’t believe that team will make a remotely smart move. Just with Skenes’ start, the Pirates are 3-7.

Not to forget his 2.44 ERA. It all comes down to whether or not the Pirates are willing to build around him or trade him wisely. There’s no other way. At least not anymore. Sooner or later, they are about to lose a generational talent.