Paul Skenes sets new benchmark with $3.4 million pre-arbitration bonus, surpassing Bobby Witt Jr.’s record

Paul Skenes set an MLB record on Tuesday after the reigning National League Cy Young winner received $3,436,343 from this season’s pre-arbitration pool. The Pittsburgh Pirates ace broke Kansas City shortstop Bobby Witt Jr.'s previous record of $3,077,595 for the 2024 season.

Skenes, who won his maiden Cy Young award this year after a record-breaking season, has now received $5,588,400 from the pool in his two years. The bonus surpassed Skenes' salary from his two MLB seasons with the Pirates as he had a $875,000 salary this year after earning $564,946 last season.

A major chunk of Skenes' bonus was due to his unanimous Cy Young win this year as the Pirates All-Star received $2.5 million for claiming the accolade. He had received $750,000,000 for being named the Rookie of the Year last season.

Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Christopher Sanchez netted $2.7 million from the pool. Sanchez received $1.75 million for finishing second in the NL Cy Young voting this year. Sanchez was followed by Houston Astros' Hunter Brown, who received a $2.2 million bonus.

101 players received a pre-arbitration bonus this year, with the Milwaukee Brewers having 10 players, the most on the list.

Paul Skenes frustrated after rumors of a move to New York Yankees

Paul Skenes set a franchise record after leading the major leagues with a 1.97 ERA and striking out 216 batters in 187 1/3 innings. However, his performances didn't translate into a successful season for the Pirates as they finished well short of a postseason spot.

With the team's continued failures, Skenes has been linked with a move away from Pittsburgh. The two-time All-Star was rumored to have talked about a trade to the New York Yankees with one of his teammates. However, Skenes denied the rumors last week.

"Rumors are rumors," Skenes said. "I was frustrated for a little bit, but it doesn't really matter. I've had some time to think about it, but I'm glad I had the opportunity to speak to the Pittsburgh media and clear the air over nothing, basically."

Although Skenes has dismissed the reports, it won't be the last time the Pirates ace will be subjected to trade rumors, especially after his stellar 2025 season.