Ben Cherington says Pirates will not trade Paul Skenes

But just two seasons into his already tremendous career, one question keeps popping up: How long will Skenes remain a member of the Pirates?

He was mentioned briefly in rumors leading up to the ‘25 Trade Deadline, and Pirates general manager Ben Cherington said Tuesday during the GM Meetings in Las Vegas that teams have continued to ask about the right-handed phenom’s availability.

“It’s always respectful. Teams have to ask the question, right?” Cherington said. “I suspect that won’t end. But the answer has been consistent.”

“Paul Skenes is going to be a Pirate in 2026.”

The 2023 No. 1 overall MLB Draft pick won’t be arbitration-eligible until after next season and is under club control through 2029. Skenes’ name will likely continue to be bandied about in trade talks during future seasons. But for now, one of the very best pitchers in baseball isn’t going anywhere.