Paul Skenes is no stranger to the spotlight. At just 23 years old, the Pittsburgh Pirates’ ace has already carved out a place among baseball’s elite, and as he prepares to take the mound for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic semifinals, his star power only continues to rise. On Sunday night in Miami, millions will tune in as Skenes faces a powerhouse Dominican Republic lineup at loanDepot Park, with the stakes and anticipation sky-high. The "Top Gun" theme will echo through the stadium, but back in Bradenton, Florida, his Pirates teammates will be glued to their screens, rooting for the young pitcher who has become the heart and soul of their club.
Skenes’ journey to this moment has been nothing short of extraordinary. Entering just his third year in the majors, he’s already the reigning National League Cy Young Award winner, a distinction that cements his status as one of the game’s best. That’s not just talk—his performance in 2025 earned him a record $3.4 million from the pre-arbitration bonus pool, a testament to his dominance on the mound. And the accolades keep coming: the Pirates recently awarded Skenes a pre-arbitration salary of $1,085,000 for the 2026 season, the largest ever for a player in his situation who hasn’t signed a long-term extension. That figure not only eclipses the league minimum of $780,000 for 2026 but also places Skenes in rarefied air. Only Mike Trout in 2014 ($1 million) and Kris Bryant in 2017 ($1.05 million) have ever earned seven figures at this stage of their careers.
This historic raise is a powerful endorsement from the Pirates, a gesture that speaks volumes about Skenes’ value to the franchise. As Ethan Hullihen reported, “Paul Skenes’ 2026 salary is $1,085,000.” The move is largely symbolic—the team isn’t required to pay more than the minimum—but it’s a clear sign that Pittsburgh is eager to show its appreciation for their young ace. Whether this goodwill translates into a long-term relationship remains to be seen. The Pirates, after all, aren’t a big-market juggernaut like the Angels or Cubs, whose previous attempts to lock down stars like Trout and Bryant met with mixed results. Trout accepted a record-shattering $430 million extension, while Bryant ultimately declined the Cubs’ overtures, citing past grievances over service time manipulation.
For now, though, Skenes’ future in Pittsburgh seems secure—and the team is determined to make the most of it. With Bryan Reynolds’ $106.5 million deal still standing as the largest contract in Pirates history, Skenes’ situation represents both an opportunity and a challenge for the front office. They have a generational talent under team control for several more years, and the hope is that his presence can help propel the Pirates into serious postseason contention. As the club sets its sights on October, Skenes’ leadership and consistency have become central to their ambitions.
Inside the Pirates’ clubhouse, Skenes is more than just an ace—he’s a leader, a mentor, and the standard-bearer for a new era of Pittsburgh baseball. "Guys are chasing him, striving to do what he does," said teammate Bubba Chandler. Pitcher Mitch Keller added, “He’s the guy. People follow that. And what better person to have be the guy?” These aren’t just empty platitudes; they reflect the respect and admiration Skenes commands from teammates both young and old. Despite his age, he’s earned a reputation as a veteran in the making—someone who challenges and unites those around him, setting the tone for the entire organization.
Skenes’ influence extends far beyond his performance on the mound. This offseason, he volunteered to help general manager Ben Cherington by reaching out to potential free agents, lending his voice to the recruitment process. His input was sought during the search for a new pitching coach, which ultimately led to the hiring of Bill Murphy. Manager Don Kelly even welcomes Skenes’ thoughts on scheduling, a rare level of trust for a player so early in his career. It’s a testament to the unique window Skenes has into how the organization operates—and to the respect he’s earned from the front office.
But perhaps the most telling example of Skenes’ leadership comes from his efforts to foster camaraderie and competition among his fellow pitchers. This winter, he essentially built his own pitching lab in North Palm Beach, Florida, inviting teammates like Hunter Barco, Jared Jones, Chandler, Carmen Mlodzinski, Thomas Harrington, and Braxton Ashcraft to train together. “He’s a guy you want to be around,” Barco said. “He’s a workhorse on and off the field. The only thing he cares about is winning baseball games. That’s a good thing to bring into the clubhouse.”
For those who have watched Skenes’ evolution, his maturity and poise are as impressive as his fastball. “He’s still a kid at heart, like we all are,” Barco noted, “but, yeah, very mature for what he’s been able to do at 23.” Mlodzinski added, “He’s a full-on vet.” Early in his career, Skenes let his performance do most of the talking, but as his profile has grown, so too has his voice in the clubhouse. “Rightfully, it is [his clubhouse],” Mlodzinski said. “But he has the awareness to build up a little bit more each year and vocalize more. He’s already done that.”
With longtime leader Andrew McCutchen now in Texas and the Pirates openly pursuing postseason dreams, Skenes has assumed an even greater role. Position players have been brought in to help with leadership, but as many inside the organization acknowledge, this is Skenes’ team. His consistency, work ethic, and preparation have made him a role model for younger pitchers. “He’s the same guy every day and someone you can count on,” Chandler said. “That’s something we talk about as pitchers—being accountable, being consistent. When your number is called, you’re ready. He’s consistent at an elite level.”
It’s not just about the numbers, though Skenes’ stats certainly dazzle. It’s the way he carries himself, the way he brings others along for the ride, and the trust he’s built with everyone from the front office to the last man on the roster. “He’s taken a lot of our younger guys under his wing and helped them out,” Mlodzinski said. “But I think there’s also a lot of stuff behind the scenes that I don’t even know about. I’m sure he 100% has some say on what we’re wearing on the plane or what travel days look like. But everybody ultimately trusts him. He’s second to none in terms of preparation and making sure he’s in the best position to succeed. He’s no doubt our leader.”
As Skenes prepares for what might be the biggest game of his life in Miami, the baseball world will be watching. For the Pirates, his continued growth as both a pitcher and a leader offers hope that brighter days are ahead in Pittsburgh—and that their young ace might just be the cornerstone they’ve long been searching for.