Paul Skenes was the National League Rookie of the Year as a member of the Pirates in 2024 and is the favorite to win the 2025 NL Cy Young Award on Wednesday night as a member of the Pirates.

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.”

And what is the answer?

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

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