UPDATE: Pittsburgh Pirates ace Paul Skenes warns that the team’s 2023 season is a “wasted year” unless they learn from their failures. Speaking on Friday, Skenes emphasized the need for team growth as the Pirates face another last-place finish in the NL Central.
Skenes, 23, is on the verge of making history as he aims to become the first player in four decades to win both Rookie of the Year and Cy Young in consecutive seasons. However, he remains focused on the team’s performance rather than personal accolades. “This is a wasted year if we don’t learn what we need to do,” Skenes stated emphatically.
The Pirates have struggled throughout the season, with a dismal 12-26 start leading to the firing of manager Derek Shelton. Interim manager Don Kelly has since taken the reins, but the team has continued to falter, entering the final home series against the Athletics with only one win in the last 12 games.
Despite Skenes’ outstanding individual performance, including a league-leading 2.03 ERA and 209 strikeouts, the team’s offensive struggles have hindered their success. The Pirates rank last in major offensive categories, leaving Skenes with an even 10-10 record heading into his likely final start of the season next week in Cincinnati. No pitcher has ever won the Cy Young with a .500 record or worse, adding urgency to his quest for recognition.
“This is about more than individual stats,” Skenes said, stressing the importance of team cohesion and improvement. He believes the Pirates must challenge themselves and hold each other accountable to avoid repeating past mistakes. “It’s going to take a lot of guys taking a look in the mirror,” he noted.
As the Pirates prepare for the offseason, Skenes is optimistic about the potential for improvement. He mentioned that the team needs to focus on internal growth and adjustments needed to compete effectively. “There’s room to get better in this locker room,” he said, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
The upcoming offseason will be critical for the Pirates, who may need to trade some young pitching talent to bolster their struggling offense. Skenes, who remains under team control for several years, is likely to command record-setting numbers once he becomes eligible for salary arbitration. However, he remains committed to the team and the community, recently delivering meals to first responders during a day off.
In the wake of the season’s challenges, Skenes is determined to identify areas for personal improvement. “I know I can get better,” he affirmed, emphasizing the importance of self-reflection and development.
As the Pirates look ahead to 2026, both Skenes and the organization face a pivotal moment. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see if the team can learn from this season’s struggles and emerge as a competitive force in the league.
