Paul Skenes Rebound Identified as Pirates' Top Offseason Priority

Paul Skenes remains the Pittsburgh Pirates' top offseason priority after a regressive 2026 season. The 24-year-old ace posted a 10-11 record, 3.82 ERA, and 200 strikeouts over 32 starts (4.2 WAR), marking a noticeable drop from his 1.97 ERA standard in 2025. Following the coaching staff change from Oscar Marin, manager Don Kelly and pitching coach Bill Murphy face immense pressure to help restore Skenes to Cy Young form for 2027.