The Pirates got everything, yet all went wrong. That’s the best way to define their state in recent times. The Pirates are one of the leading teams among the small-market franchises to have a passionate fan base – stocked players, and better infrastructure. But the outcome tells a sad story. And here they are, dead last in the NL Central with a 32-50 record.

When a team with this kind of setup goes south so badly, questions are raised. So, if you are the one who hits the PNC Park asking the owner to sell the team, you’re not alone.

ESPN insider Jeff Passan recently shared what a large chunk of the baseball world has been thinking for years. The real issue might be coming from the very top. And the team’s ownership, specifically Bob Nutting, has once again found itself at the center of the blame game.

“I think he’s seen as somebody who has a passionate fanbase, who has arguably the most beautiful stadium in Major League Baseball, and completely wasted it,“ sports announcer Logan Arblaster quoted Jeff Passan.

Honestly, the Pirates have one of the most passionate and loyal fan bases. Despite the years’ downfall and worst productions, fans have stuck with the team, filling PNC Park with energy, hope, and history. Even though this year, the stadium recorded lower footfalls than last year, it’s still commendable. Reportedly, 36893 fans attended the Pirates’ home series opener against the Yankees this year.

Imagine the extent to which the fans are associated with the team!

And talking about the home ground, PNC Park is one of the most beautiful stadiums in MLB. Situated by the bay of Pittsburgh’s skyline and the Allegheny River, it shows a timeless aesthetic. What’s more is that USA TODAY rated PNC Park first among the 30 Major League stadiums last year. But despite all these, the team is struggling continuously!

It owes to Bob Nutting.

The Pirates have one of the lowest payrolls in MLB. This year, they are ranked 26th in terms of payroll with a $89.9 million budget. Since taking over as the Pirates’ principal owner in 2007, Nutting has never handed out a free-agent contract worth even $40 million. In all these years, the Pirates’ payroll has never ranked higher than 20th. That’s nothing but an owner’s sheer unwillingness to invest in the team.

Plus, the Pirates are infamous for trading their best talents. See Gerrit Cole or Andrew McCutchen. They were all traded by the Pirates in the past due to payroll constraints. Obviously, a team cannot perform when the big names are getting traded and new talents are not coming in owing to budgetary issues.

But amidst all these, there’s one last ray of hope for the team. Paul Skenes.

The Pirates’ dilemma with Paul Skenes

The Pirates have one of the top 10 pitchers in the league in the form of Paul Skenes. Currently standing with a 2.12 ERA and 110 SOs, Skenes seems like a one-of-a-kind Pirate.

Still, the Pirates have failed to offer enough on-field support to him. While Skenes is leading the Pirates’ clubhouse in terms of ERA, the next best is Bailey Falter with a 3.59 ERA. And that basically sums up the gap between him and the entire team.

So, expectedly, trade rumors are rife, but outright rejected by the Pirates’ front office. However, considering the history of the team, it would not be surprising if Skenes gets traded in the upcoming window.

But the Pirates are in a dilemma here. Trading Skenes will further make the team go south, and they might lose the last leg of their loyal fan base, coming to see a rookie sensation. Moreover, their recent plan of centering and rebuilding a team around Skenes will also prove a marketing bluff. But there are a few opposite perspectives, too.

Trading Skenes at his prime would open a few scopes for the Pirates. Prospects can be exchanged to fill the gap areas. It is very unlikely that the Pirates would offer a ground-breaking qualifying deal to Skenes in the future. So, trading him when he is producing could be the best option.

But for the fans, it’s the same old story again. And it’s the same old scene at PNC Park with fans holding placards demanding that Nutting sell the franchise.