BREAKING: Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes has issued a stark warning: if the team doesn’t learn from its struggles this season, it will be a “wasted year.” As the Pirates gear up for their final home series against the Athletics, Skenes expressed urgency to address the team’s failures and improve ahead of the 2026 season.
The 23-year-old ace, who boasts an impressive 2.03 ERA and 209 strikeouts, emphasized the importance of reflection and growth after a disappointing campaign that has left the Pirates firmly in last place in the NL Central. “This is a wasted year if we don’t learn what we need to do,” Skenes stated during a press conference on Friday.
The Pirates began the season with high hopes of breaking a decade-long playoff drought, but a disastrous 12-26 start led to the firing of manager Derek Shelton. While Don Kelly has provided stability since taking over, the team has struggled offensively, ranking at the bottom in every major category. Skenes, despite his standout performances, has a record of 10-10 heading into what is likely his final start of the season.
With the Cy Young Award announcement set for November 20, Skenes is the frontrunner, but his potential historic achievement is clouded by the team’s overall performance. No pitcher has ever won the award with a .500 record or worse, putting added pressure on the young star.
Skenes is determined to ensure that the team capitalizes on its experiences this season. “We know the adjustments we need to make. Now we’ve just got to do them,” he said, highlighting the necessity for both individual and collective improvement.
As the Pirates look ahead, the organization appears poised to strengthen its rotation for next year, with Skenes leading alongside promising talents like Mitch Keller and Bubba Chandler. However, Skenes cautioned that optimism must be tempered by a commitment to real change. “There’s room to get better in this locker room,” he added.
In a display of community spirit, Skenes recently volunteered his time delivering meals to first responders, reinforcing his dedication to both the team and the local community. As questions swirl around his future with the Pirates, general manager Ben Cherington remains committed to keeping Skenes, who is expected to command a lucrative salary in arbitration.
As the clock ticks down on the season, Skenes is focused on identifying areas for improvement in his game. “I’ll figure it out. I know I can get better,” he concluded, emphasizing his relentless pursuit of excellence.
The stakes are high for the Pirates as they aim to learn from this season’s challenges and emerge as contenders in the coming years. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the team responds this offseason, with Skenes leading the charge for a brighter future.
