ESPN MLB writer Jeff Passan took aim at Pittsburgh Pirates ownership over the team’s financial decisions.
In an appearance on the “Baseball Today” podcast, Passan tore into the Pirates for their lack of spending on new players. Passan noted that the Pirates have a potentially generational player on the roster in pitcher Paul Skenes, and have essentially made the choice not to spend money and built a competitive roster around him.
“The Pirates, this offseason, spent $19.95 million on free agent signings when they have a generational pitcher,” Passan said. “They’ve got arms. I’ve seen what PNC Park looks like when it’s full and when it’s raucous and when Pittsburgh fans are showing out and have a reason to show out, and it’s magical. And those Pirates fans deserve more than they have right now. … If we have Paul Skenes right now, why aren’t we doing absolutely everything we can to build around him and to build something that’s worthy of the pitcher he is?
Passan pointed out that, according to Forbes, the Pirates’ 2024 revenue was $326 million, which is more than enough to support a sizable payroll.
“There are a couple other teams in that bucket, all of whom have nine-figure payrolls,” Passan added. “There is zero reason that the Pirates need to operate how they operate. It is a choice. It is a choice that’s insulting to fans, it’s a choice that’s insulting to the game, it’s a choice that’s insulting to the players in that clubhouse who deserve better.”
This is a must listen.
— Kody Duncan (@KodyDuncanPGH) April 16, 2025
MLB needs to intervene. Enough is enough.pic.twitter.com/oleIwEmaSj
The Pirates had an Opening Day payroll of $87.65 million, according to USA Today, which is 26th in baseball. Skenes will not become eligible for salary arbitration until after the 2026 season, meaning he costs essentially nothing for the next two seasons. If the Pirates were to spend money and try to be competitive, now would be the ideal time to do it.
Unfortunately for Pirates fans, owner Bob Nutting does not appear eager to do that. Fans have been unhappy with him for years now as the organization trades most of its success stories before they become too expensive. Subsequently, the team has just one winning season since 2015, and have finished either fourth or fifth in the NL Central for eight consecutive years.
Skenes gives the Pirates a chance to win every time he pitches, while the Pirates could add $50 million still sit in the bottom half of payroll rankings among MLB teams. If spent effectively, that kind of money could make Pittsburgh a playoff team, but it just isn’t happening. Combine that with some tone-deaf off-field moves and it is easy to understand why so many Pirates fans will fully endorse what Passan is saying.
