“Obviously it’s not true” - Paul Skenes coldly shuts down Yankees trade rumors, calls narrative “frustrating”

Paul Skenes has shut down the idea of leaving the Pittsburgh Pirates amid swirling social media rumors about his interest in joining the New York Yankees.

In an interview on the Dan Patrick Show on Tuesday, the Pirates ace admitted that he was “frustrated” with the growing rumor of a trade to NY. He laid out his goal of staying with his current team and winning in Pittsburgh before any future considerations.

“I was frustrated for a couple of hours and then kind of got over it and talked to the media later that night. There’s stuff that’s going to come out, good and bad, obviously it’s not true.”

Skenes further added that he’s not the only one who had to go through this, and there will be players in the future who’ll get caught up in the trade buzz. One of the best examples comes from his Air Force days, where he won a conference title prior to his LSU journey.

“That’s how it feels right now. That’s what’s on the horizon for us, we just have to do it. Leaving before that would leave a bad taste in my mouth because there’s work to be done that we didn’t do.”

Paul Skenes admitted that losing this season was hard and it’s something he’s “adjusting” to make better. Furthermore, the thought of winning with the Pirates is what “gets me out of bed.”

“Obviously, I haven’t had two great years team-wise in Pittsburgh, so it’s been adjustment. It’s tough not to show up to the field every day and be bitter sometimes, especially we’re on a seven-, eight-game skid."

"I think it just comes down to being professional. I’ve learned more and more how to do that and be the same person each day.”

Skenes is coming off winning his first Cy Young Award as he went 10-10 with a 1.97 ERA in 32 starts for the Pirates in 2025. He is under the team's control for four more years and expressed his wish to win with the team before thinking of signing elsewhere.

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Pirates GM makes stance clear on Paul Skenes' future with the team

Paul Skenes [Credit: Imagn]

During the GM meetings in Las Vegas, Pittsburgh Pirates’ Ben Cherington shut down rumors of a possible Paul Skenes trade. He stated that the ace will remain with the team for 2026, and there have been no official talks about a trade.

Cherington admitted that questions have been asked and several teams have inquired about Skenes, which is very common. Despite this being a hot topic heading into the 2025 free agency, “the answer has been consistent” from the team’s side.