Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes pitched another gem Sunday with nothing to show for it, prompting many to say the same thing about the star pitcher.
Skenes threw his first career complete game at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, Pa. on Sunday, allowing just one run on three hits while striking out nine. However, the Pirates failed to score, meaning Skenes was on the wrong end of a 1-0 loss anyway.
Despite a 2.44 ERA, Skenes’ record fell to 3-5 after the loss, summing up the lack of support he has received from the Pirates. On social media, many suggested he should be looking for a way out of Pittsburgh so his outstanding efforts do not keep going to waste.
I can’t see this happen to Skenes anymore. Trade him to an organization that cares about winning games. Hate to watch the talent go to waste.
— Tone Digs (@ToneDigz) May 18, 2025
If I’m Paul Skenes I’m shutting it down and demanding a trade out of this hell hole.
— CoachC (@BigTeeCee21) May 18, 2025
In no way should he EVER lose a game putting up this stat line.
The #Pirates are an absolute and total embarrassment, not just to the great City of Pittsburgh, but to all of baseball. pic.twitter.com/NMZEXKT84Y
If I’m Skenes, I demand a trade tomorrow and refuse to play until then.
— Jeff Gingell (@jeffging) May 18, 2025
If I am Paul Skenes, I not only request but DEMAND a trade at the deadline.
— PREZ BETS (@PrezBets) May 18, 2025
Almost every outing he has is a Quality Start with no run support, and no decision, because his team is filled with washed up guys 10 years out of their prime or dudes that can't hit a ball off a tee.… pic.twitter.com/qulR6Enc4T
Pirates should just trade Paul Skenes for a haul out of decency at this point pic.twitter.com/uj0suupvTn
— Moody (@moodyfan_) May 18, 2025
If Skenes requested a trade right now, would anyone in Pittsburgh blame him? https://t.co/nSxQnG5qyU
— Adam (@ak100892) May 18, 2025
Even if Skenes wanted to do this, he just does not have much leverage. The Pirates have him under team control through 2029, and he will cost them virtually nothing until he hits arbitration following the 2026 season. At that point, a deal might become feasible.
Skenes publicly called on everyone within the organization, including himself, to do better after the firing of manager Derek Shelton earlier this season. Ultimately, that has not changed much. Sunday’s loss dropped them to 15-32, and there are no signs of a turnaround.
