“Bad sport with bad owners” – Pirates fans turn on ownership after insider’s Paul Skenes prediction

Pittsburgh Pirates fans reacted strongly against club ownership following an insider prediction that ace pitcher Paul Skenes will likely leave before 2028. Reporter John Perrotto of Pittsburgh Baseball Now wrote that Skenes' projected future salary through arbitration will soon exceed what the organization is willing to pay. Several supporters voiced frustration online, accusing ownership of being unwilling to spend the necessary funds to retain their star pitcher.

Skenes enters arbitration eligibility for the first time this winter and remains under club control through 2029. MLB Trade Rumors projects his 2027 salary at $7.2 million, which would rank near Dallas Keuchel's record for a first-year eligible pitcher. Coming off a 2026 campaign with a 10-11 record and 3.82 ERA, Skenes previously won the 2024 NL Rookie of the Year and 2025 NL Cy Young awards.