Pirates struggle to support Cy Young winner Paul Skenes in 2026

As of August 13, 2026, Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes continues to excel but faces challenges due to a lack of offensive support. Skenes recently won the 2025 NL Cy Young, achieving an impressive sub-2.00 ERA over his first two MLB seasons. Despite this, he holds a 21-13 record, reflecting the Pirates' ongoing struggles in turning strong performances into wins. His velocity has recently declined, leading the team to limit his pitch count in recent outings while addressing concerns about his workload and command. The Pirates are urged to build a competitive team around Skenes before his prime years dwindle away.

• 12:10 PMYahoo Sports — Paul Skenes’ prime years are being wasted, & it’s eerily similar to another MLB star