Paul Skenes calls out Pirates' reliance on 'promise' to achieve organizational success

The Pittsburgh Pirates have lived in the land of potential for far too long. For years, the organization has sold fans on what could be: top prospects rising through the system, young arms developing into mainstays, and a core that might someday lift the team back into contention. Yet as the 2025 season comes to a close, many in Pittsburgh are asking the same question they’ve asked for a decade: when does “promise” finally turn into performance? It’s a frustration that isn’t just coming from the stands anymore — it’s now being voiced by the face of the franchise himself.

Paul Skenes, the No. 1 overall pick in 2023 and now the undisputed ace of the Pirates’ staff, made headlines this week when he challenged the idea that optimism alone can carry an organization forward. The flamethrower, who’s quickly become the backbone of Pittsburgh’s rotation, didn’t shy away when asked what needs to change for the team to take the next step. His answer? Sacrifice, accountability, and a recognition that “thinking about tomorrow” has become a crutch.

Paul Skenes pushes Pirates to act before ‘promise’ runs dry

Pirates beat reporter Alex Stumpf of MLB.com noted that Skenes’ comments underscored a larger truth about the current roster. Yes, there are reasons for optimism: a farm system still ranked among baseball’s best, a young rotation with upside, and players who have taken visible steps forward in 2025.

But when asked if those building blocks were enough to inspire belief in next season, Skenes’ blunt reply: “Yeah, but we thought that coming into this year, too” — cut to the heart of the problem. Hope has become a cycle, not a solution.

In other words, Pittsburgh has leaned too heavily on intangibles, culture, communication, the promise of better days, without pairing those words with meaningful action. Skenes himself is a reminder of the urgency. The Pirates’ ace is not yet eligible for arbitration, meaning he’s pitching at a fraction of his future value.

In a market where small-market teams live and die by the timing of their spending, this is the most affordable window Pittsburgh will ever have with Skenes at the front of their rotation. The clock is ticking, and every season spent waiting for “next year” is one less season of maximizing the ace they drafted to change their fortunes.

That’s why his comments resonated so strongly. They weren’t just a critique of the current moment, they were a warning about the future. The Pirates have a chance to stop selling potential and start delivering results. With Skenes leading the charge, the young core surrounding him, and a fan base desperate for more than promises, the opportunity is right there in front of them.

But opportunity has an expiration date, and Pittsburgh has to decide whether they’re willing to cash in before it slips away.