When the final whistle blew on the trade deadline, it was not just fans reacting to the Pirates’ puzzling approach — a bright young star of the team had something to say, too. After watching his team part ways with two vital veterans and add no major league-ready reinforcements, Paul Skenes did not mince words.

While the star acknowledged the team’s current position in the standings, Paul Skenes’ focus was on what comes next, and the star did not shy away from putting pressure on the management. “Hopefully, it also created some space for us to acquire some bats in the offseason,” Paul Skenes said. That was not just commentary — it looked like a challenge focused straight on Bob Nutting.

The statement came in the aftermath of a deadline that saw the Pirates ship out Gold Glover Ke’Bryan Hayes and All-Star closer David Bednar. In return, they added stars — promising ones, sure — however, not the kind of help that enhances the team midseason. Skenes, ever the competitor, made it clear that the management’s approach better pay off down the road. “Didn’t see a lot in terms of major league [acquisitions] at the deadline,” Skenes added, “but hopefully that sets us up next year.” It was an honest analysis that echoes what some fans are thinking — enough with the long-term promise, it is time to see outcomes.

However, he did not stop at the future. Skenes also provided thoughts on how the Pirates roster can grow right now, without the deadline splash some fans hoped for. Highlighting last season’s collapse, the star emphasized that winning games down the stretch is not the only aim anymore — it is also related to internal growth. “We see Liover Peguero making some growth. Having guys like Braxton [Ashcraft] and Mike [Burrows]… they’ve both been good,” he said. Skenes’ aim has transformed toward development and preparing the Pirates for a real shot in 2026.

That is why Skenes did not take issue with keeping veterans like Isiah Kiner-Falefa and Tommy Pham, if the veterans are on expiring deals. Instead, Skenes praised the approach of the team as vital to mentoring the wave of young stars expected to arrive soon. “We need them,” Skenes insisted. “They’re going to be very good for the young guys”, he added. It is a thought that shows Skenes is thinking beyond his data — he is thinking like a leader, and through all the speculation, Skenes’ core message to Bob Nutting and the management stands tall: if you have cleared the books, do not waste the space — go get the bats.

While Paul Skenes’ message was all related to pushing the team forward, the management’s thought process painted a distinctive picture. One of the Pirates’ most unexpected approaches — trading Bailey Falter despite a powerful season — raised eyebrows among the fans. However, as Ben Cherington said, this decision was part of a broader plan.

Pirates’ surprising pitching trade points to a 2026 reset

Bailey Falter was not just a dependable star for the Pirates — he was arguably a consistent starter in 2025. With a 7-5 record and a respectable 3.73 ERA across 22 starts, he was a bright spot in a struggling rotation. Bailey Falter’s spectacular May performance, where the star posted a mind-blowing 0.76 ERA, only solidified the value. That is what made his deadline departure all the more surprising. Sent to the Royals in exchange for two stars — Evan Sisk and Callan Moss — the trade made fans confused. After all, Bailey Falter is only 27, under team control until 2029, and pitching at a high level.

However, from Cherington’s thought, the trade was less related to subtracting talent and more related to making room for opportunity and development. “We liked the players we got for Bailey,” Cherington said, highlighting the necessity of preparing for 2026 by giving younger stars more exposure. With Johan Oviedo returning from Tommy John surgery and other stars like Mike Burrows and Braxton Ashcraft asking for innings, the Pirates chose to look ahead. It was not necessarily related to downgrading; it was related to opening a lane for the next wave. While neither Sisk nor Moss is are top-30 prospect, Cherington focused on Sisk’s MLB power and Moss’s on-base capabilities as worthwhile long-term pieces.

Such a strategy speaks volumes related to where the Pirates truly stand. Rather than clinging to short-period stability, the management appears laser-focused on constructing a 2026-ready roster. Whether that patience pays off — specifically, after Skenes called for investment in bats — remains to be seen. However, one thing is clear: the Pirates are betting on development over desperation, and this makes every move between now and next Opening Day more vital.

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