Rising superstar Paul Skenes is still under contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates for the next four seasons. Once that time expires, it is inevitable that he will be pitching elsewhere. Even Pirates insiders are already accepting that destiny.

The Pittsburgh Pirates may have landed a generational talent in Paul Skenes, but the harsh reality is that keeping him long-term seems nearly impossible. Despite Skenes being unde

As Pirates fans get ready for the 2025 season, they'll be expecting another standout campaign from reigning ROY Paul Skenes.

Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Paul Skenes (30) poses with his girlfriend Louisiana State University gymnast Livvy Dunne (right) after Skenes made his major league debut against the Chicago Cubs. / Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

That's because Skenes is looking to add a cutter and two-seam fastball to a nasty repertoire that already includes his signature "splinker" (splitter-sinker hybrid) pitch and traditional four-seam fastball that tops out at over 100 mph.

Derek Shelton hypes up the Pirates as they prepare to push for the postseason in 2025 behind the elite play of Paul Skenes.

Who ends up taking the ball on Opening Day feels like a foregone conclusion for the Pittsburgh Pirates. Still, the Pirates haven't made an official decision ye