Paul Skenes could be the next big thing in Pittsburgh. But, Andrew McCutchen is not going to provide him the scope to forget whose name echoes through the Pittsburgh Pirates. In a moment that mixed humor with a clear message, McCutchen provided a four-word quip that had fans buzzing. His playful remark subtly nudged Skenes to embrace a long-term future with the team.
McCutchen is a four-time Silver Slugger and the face of the team for over a decade. He knows the path to becoming a legend in Pittsburgh. However, did Paul Skenes truly get the message behind the veteran’s words? Was it just another situation of team banter? One needs to break it down.
Currently, McCutchen was at MLB Network’s 30 Clubs in 15 Days segment. In the period of the interaction, McCutchen was not just reminiscing Pirates’ legends—he was planting a seed. “So many legends to come through this organization. I mean, Roberto Mende, Willy Sardjian, and Andrew McCutchen. It is crazy to think. One day when you have kids, you will be able to tell them you got to play with Andrew McCutchen,” he quipped.
After that, with a knowing smirk, McCutchen turned to Paul Skenes and dropped the bomb by saying, “If you play your cards right, one day somebody’s going to know your name.”
Thanks, Andrew McCutchen.
30 Clubs in 15 Days from @Pirates camp starts NOW! pic.twitter.com/DcjX9dBWFx
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) March 7, 2025
Skenes quickly fired back with dry sarcasm by saying, “Wow, thanks, Andrew McCutchen.” On the air, it was a playful reaction. Though, the veteran’s words were not just casual jock. This talent was ensuring the Pirates’ rising star identify the weight of his place. Why not? In 2024, McCutchen batted .232 with 20 home runs and a .739 OPS. As of 2024, he is second among all Pirates talents with eight seasons with at least 20 home runs.
The Pittsburgh Pirates’ never-ending sales pitch
Pittsburgh Pirates has powerful commitment to keep the payroll low. However, they lack in winning commitment. Instead, the team has mastered the art of doing just enough to keep hope alive while ignoring real investment. Paul Skenes, Oneil Cruz and Jared Jones are all come with a bargain deal. Their combined budget is just $2.4 million this season. This provides the team with a rare scope to establish a true contender. Yet, instead of capitalizing on this, the team has done little more than add Andrew Heaney. He has got a one-year, $5.25 million deal. The finance office is not making a push, so McCutchen is stepping in. He is selling the dream by making Pittsburgh look like the ultimate place instead of a temporary stop.
McCutchen’s playful reviews were not just a lighthearted joke. They effectively crafted an approach to get Skenes to fit in the Pirates’ long-period aim. Pittsburgh Pirates has a history of enhancing stars who inevitably identify success elsewhere. For instance, Gerrit Cole, Tyler Glasnow and McCutchen himself all left because of the team’s unwillingness to spend. When Gerrit Cole was traded in 2018, he started to earn $324 million with the Yankees. In addition, Tyler Glasnow, secured a massive $136.5 million with the Dodgers, highlighting what the Pirates lost. The script is familiar, young talent thrives, management refuses to pay, and another franchise reaps the rewards.
Aug 28, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Paul Skenes (30) looks on from the dugout against the Chicago Cubs during the second inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Ahead, McCutchen looks determined to flip such a narrative. By framing the team as a place of legends, he planted the thought that Skenes could break the cycle. However, history says otherwise. The Pittsburgh Pirates currently rank 26th in payroll. They are spending less than small-market teams, like, the Brewers. This team are thinking of paying $20 million more this year. Such refusal to invest raises the real issue, is McCutchen trying to sell Skenes on a dream which management has no intention of making a reality?
Whether Skenes embraces the aim of McCutchen or looks for greener pastures remains to be seen. But, one thing is clear that the Pirates know they have something special. They are already laying the groundwork to keep him. Will Skenes take the bait? Pirates fans will be watching closely.
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