Paul Skenes Denies Yankees Trade Rumors, Reaffirms Commitment to Pittsburgh Pirates

Pittsburgh Pirates Cy Young Award winner Paul Skenes addressed a recent NJ.com report suggesting he desires a trade to the New York Yankees and lacks confidence in the Pirates' ability to win. Skenes firmly denied the claims, stating, "I'm on the Pirates. My goal is to win with the Pirates. I love the city of Pittsburgh... I want to be a part of the group that did that." He added he doesn't know the source of the report. General Manager Ben Cherington previously confirmed Skenes will remain a Pirate in 2026. The 2023 No. 1 pick, under team control through 2029, won the 2025 NL Cy Young with a 1.97 ERA, 0.95 WHIP, 7.7 WAR, and 216 strikeouts in 187.2 innings. Despite the Pirates' recent struggles (71-91 in 2025), Skenes remains focused on winning in Pittsburgh.