Just as in life, hope never fades in baseball. For fans of the Pittsburgh Pirates, that hope has often flickered dimly in recent years, like the gentle sound of past glory. But a new voice has risen–a young pitcher wielding a scorching fastball and an even scorcher spirit, poised to turn that flicker of hope into an inferno. And this spring training, he’s showing he’s ready to back it up. With outings like his March 22nd performance– 3 1/3 innings of no-run ball, allowing just one hit and striking out four–Paul Skenes is proving he’s more than just potential; he’s a present-day force.
The years following the Pirates’ 2015 Wild Card appearance serve as a vivid lesson on the cyclical nature of baseball. The team had a combined record of 598-756 from 2016 to 2024, a winning percentage of just .442. They placed last in the National League Central for four out of those nine seasons, often trailing miles behind the division leaders. The 2020 season was particularly brutal, shortened by the pandemic, a dismal .317 winning percentage. The team has struggled to recapture its past successes, and the reality of their struggle is undeniable.
And that’s what Skenes intends to change. The Pirates’ young pitching phenom didn’t mince words when highlighting the embarrassingly low standards set for the team. “We owe something to the city,” he declared. “This is bigger than all of us. There’s a reason why Cutch keeps coming back… We’ve seen the videos of the Wild Card game. I’m tired of watching them because it was a Wild Card… The fact that that’s the golden era of recent Pirates baseball, that needs to change.” Skenes isn’t just talking, he’s challenging the spirit of his peers with a promise to the fans.
Paul Skenes wants better for Pittsburgh fans pic.twitter.com/8p8X0yXvnf
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) March 23, 2025
Skenes’ words are far from empty bravado–they carry the weight of intention and ambition. When he mentioned Andrew McCutchen, or “Clutch” as everyone calls him, it wasn’t by accident. It’s a nod to a shared goal and a way of passing the torch from the veteran to the young ace, who is set to lead their future. McCutchen is back in black and gold, and he’s not just another designated hitter. He’s a mentor and a leader, showing what’s possible when you put in the work. If Skenes can live up to his pitching potential and McCutchen keeps inspiring the locker room while also putting on numbers, they could be more than enough to take the Pirates deep into the playoffs. Who knows, even to the World Series?
However, words and flashes of promise in spring training, while encouraging, aren’t enough. The question remains: Why should Pirates fans—or anyone—place their faith in Skenes’ words?
Passing the torch: McCutchen, Skenes, and the future of Pirates baseball
Because once again, he’s not just talking. Drafted first overall in 2023, Skenes burst onto the scene in 2024, finishing with an impressive 11-3 record and 1.96 ERA, which even earned him Rookie of the Year consideration and an All-Star appearance. He also had an eye-popping strikeout rate, fanning 170 batters in just 133 innings—the kind of dominance that can single-handedly turn around a program. He represents both the present and the promising future of the Pirates.
The name “Pittsburgh Pirates” isn’t just about baseball–it’s about the stories, the legends, and history behind it. It’s about the moments that echo through the decades. Go back to the early 1900s, when the shortstop Honus Wagner led them to their first World Series crown. Fast forward to the 60s and 70s, when the legendary Roberto Clemente and that “We Are Family” vibe of Willie Stargell delivered three more titles to Pittsburgh. The glory days of division titles even came in the early 90s with a young Barry Bonds. These weren’t just teams; they were dynasties. But the glory days have long since passed.
Aug 11, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates designated hitter Andrew McCutchen (22) hits a game tying 2-run home run during the eighth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports
But then the Ctuch came into the picture. His first run with the Pirates, from 2009 to 2017, saw him become an MVP, a five-time All-Star, and the face of a team that finally broke a 20-year playoff drought. Now, back in the black and gold, with 216 Pirates home runs under his belt, he’s not just chasing records; he’s chasing a feeling, a return to those winning ways, a connection to the glorious past that fuels the dreams of a new generation.
The 2015 Pirates, the most recent to reach the postseason, were a fine team, with stars such as McCutchen and Gerrit Cole. But the 2025 Pirates, at least on paper, have a different kind of potential. But what sets this team apart? It’s strength lies in its youth: Skenes and Mitch Keller on the mound, and Oneil Cruz and Ke’Bryan Hayes in the field. While the 2015 team relied heavily on its bullpen, the 2025 squad is designed around a potentially overpowering starting rotation.
Skenes’ challenge to the team, and the city, is clear: raise the bar, dream big, and bring championship baseball back to Pittsburgh. It’s time for the Pirates fans to answer that call, to fill the PNC Park, and to believe, once again, that a new golden era is within reach.
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