Did Paul Skenes call for a trade to the Yankees? Exploring viral claim after Pirates ace's 2025 NL Cy Young triumph

Rumors about Paul Skenes' future began shortly after the Pittsburgh Pirates ace was announced as the 2025 National League Cy Young Award winner. A report circulated that the 23-year-old had expressed interest in being traded to the New York Yankees.

According to a suburban New Jersey outlet, an anonymous former teammate said Skenes said he would want to be traded to New York and pitch for the Yankees.

Skenes addressed the rumors during a press conference after winning the CY Young.

"The goal is to win," Skenes said. "And the goal is to win in Pittsburgh."

When teammates later showed him the anonymous report, Skenes said he had "no idea" where it originated.

"I didn’t think much about it," he added.

Pittsburgh finished in last place in the NL Central for the ninth consecutive season, prompting speculation about whether the rebuilding club might consider trading its ace.

Ben Cherington shuts down rumors, says Paul Skenes "will be a Pirate in 2026"

Pittsburgh Pirates general manager Ben Cherington delivered a firm message at the MLB general manager meetings, directly addressing growing speculation about a potential Paul Skenes trade.

"Paul Skenes is going to be a Pirate in 2026."

Cherington acknowledged that rival clubs continue to check in on Skenes, but said the inquiries don’t change the Pirates’ position.

"It’s always respectful. Teams have to ask the question, right?" Cherington said. "I suspect that won’t end. But the answer has been consistent."

His remarks made it clear that, despite ongoing speculation, the Pirates continue to view Skenes as a key piece of their future rather than someone they’d consider moving.