Paul Skenes’ postgame stare after the Pittsburgh Pirates’ 1-0 loss to the Philadelphia Phillies on Sunday wasn’t just a moment; it was a snapshot of frustration boiling over. Skenes, the Pirates’ ace, allowed the game’s only run in the fifth inning when Brandon Marsh beat out a double play, and that was all it took for the Phillies, especially with their closer sidelined by a PED suspension. As the game ended with the Pirates’ 3-4-5 hitters going down swinging, Skenes stood motionless, staring over the railing, a picture of a man at his breaking point. “If this isn’t what a breaking point looks like for Skenes – and for Pirates fans – we’re not sure what is,” the article notes.
Skenes, in his second year, has been everything the Pirates hoped for and more, with a 2.44 ERA and a 3-5 record despite the team’s 3-7 mark in his starts. It’s a stark contrast to the vision of a franchise built around him, a vision that’s been undermined by the frugality of owner Bob Nutting and the lack of urgency from GM Ben Cherington. The Pirates’ payroll, $114.2 million for tax purposes this season, ranks 26th in MLB, and their revenue, per Forbes, is nearly identical to teams like the Arizona Diamondbacks, who’ve invested far more. Skenes’ frustration is palpable, and it’s not just about the loss; it’s about the lack of support around him. “Nutting certainly doesn’t want to face the PR hit and decrease in gate revenue attached to resigning himself to a fate of dealing Skenes prematurely, but something has to give,” the article states. Either the Pirates spend with more urgency, a modest expectation given their history, or they prepare for a reset, potentially losing Skenes before he reaches free agency.
For Pirates fans, it’s maddening. Skenes is their beacon, a player who could define the franchise’s future, but he’s being let down by a team that’s not built to win now. Imagine being Skenes, watching Mick Abel, a rookie, outduel you in his MLB debut because your team couldn’t muster a run. It’s a scenario that’s become all too familiar, and Skenes’ stare is a reminder of the stakes. The Pirates need to decide: are they all in on Skenes, or are they resigned to mediocrity? The answer will shape not just Skenes’ career, but the franchise’s identity. Stay tuned, because this story’s got legs, and for Skenes, it’s about more than just baseball; it’s about belief in the team around him. The Pirates’ next move could be their most critical yet.
