Pittsburgh Pirates‘ young ace Paul Skenes delivered a candid assessment of what it truly takes to win in MLB: consistent execution and results on the field—beyond camaraderie and clubhouse chemistry. While he acknowledged the importance of a positive environment, Skenes made it clear that friendship doesn’t win championships.
In his latest outing against the Cleveland Guardians, Skenes once again demonstrated why he is considered one of the most promising arms in baseball. Over seven strong innings, he threw 103 pitches, allowed six hits and two earned runs, issued just one walk, and recorded four strikeouts. With 37,713 fans packing PNC Park, many came not only to see his performance but to receive his commemorative figure—honoring a breakout 2024 season that earned him National League Rookie of the Year honors.
Still, Skenes’ efforts were undermined by a faltering Pirates offense, which continues to struggle with a collective .206 batting average—second worst in the Majors. The offensive shortcomings persisted throughout the weekend, culminating in an extra-inning loss despite a late rally in the ninth, resulting in a frustrating home sweep.
Speaking after the game, Skenes acknowledged the strong sense of unity among teammates but urged a shift toward tangible improvements: “Yes, I mean, we’re just not executing at a high enough level and as consistently as we need to, to win those games,” Skenes told DK Pittsburgh Sports. “I don’t think it’s a clubhouse thing. I mean, everyone likes each other, but you know, positive feelings and friendships and all that don’t win championships. So, we’ve got to figure it out.”
Paul Skenes #30 of the Pittsburgh Pirates delivers a pitch in the fourth inning during the game against the St. Louis Cardinals at PNC Park on April 8, 2025 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)
The meteoric rise of Paul Skenes
Skenes’ ascension through the ranks of professional baseball has been nothing short of spectacular. After leading LSU to the 2023 national championship with a dominant 13-2 record and a 1.69 ERA, the Pirates selected him first overall in the 2023 MLB Draft, securing his services with a record-setting $9.2 million signing bonus. He continued his dominance in the minors before making his highly anticipated major league debut in May 2024.
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Performance over popularity
Despite his personal success, Skenes remains sharply focused on team performance. His honest evaluation serves as a wake-up call—not only for the Pirates’ offense but for the entire organization. While locker room harmony is valuable, Skenes believes it must translate into action on the field if the team hopes to compete at a higher level. In Pittsburgh, a rising star has made it clear: execution, not emotion, wins October baseball.
