Paul Skenes delivers harsh quote about Pirates' team chemistry and his ultimate goal

The Pittsburgh Pirates appear to have taken up permanent residence in the basement of the National League Central division. They haven't finished higher than fourth place out of five teams since 2016 (when they finished third), and they haven't finished a season above .500 in even longer.

Understandably, the fans are frustrated. So are the players, including Paul Skenes – arguably the best pitcher on the planet, who fell into the Pirates' lap at No. 1 overall in the 2023 MLB Draft. There doesn't appear to be any sense of urgency on the part of ownership or the front office to try and build a competitive team around this generational talent.

As losses continue to pile up for the Pirates, the frustration builds. And while it hasn't led to tensions in the clubhouse, Skenes wants – and deserves – more than just good vibes.

“Yeah I mean, we’re just not executing at a high enough level and as consistently as we need to, to win those games," Skenes said. "I don’t think it’s a clubhouse thing. I mean, everyone likes each other, but you know, positive feelings and friendships and all that don’t win championships. So, we got to figure it out.”

Paul Skenes (and Pirates fans) deserve better than what Pittsburgh's ownership is giving them

The only team in the National League with a lower win percentage than the Pirates is the Colorado Rockies, who have won a whopping four games on the season. Understandably, that isn't the kind of company that Skenes wants to keep.

The apparent camaraderie in the Pirates' clubhouse doesn't make up for the fact that they have consistently been one of the worst teams in baseball since before Skenes was even born. Needless to say, that's not his fault, but he is the kind of player who could turn this organization around – but only if that organization invests in winning as much as he does.

Friendships don't win championships, but you know what does? A combination of elite skill, mental fortitude and a commitment to excellence. Skenes has made that commitment, but the Pirates' ownership and front office haven't reciprocated. At this point, we have no reason to believe that they will.

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