Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes is making waves, not just with his arm, but now with his words. Following the team’s decision to fire manager Derek Shelton after a rough 12–26 start to the season, Skenes didn’t hold back when asked for his thoughts.
“Unfortunately, I wasn’t shocked,” Skenes told reporters. “At the end of the day, we’re 12–26. Someone’s got to be held accountable, and unfortunately, right now, it’s him. That’s just kind of how it goes.”
He didn’t stop there. While acknowledging Shelton’s dismissal, Skenes pointed out that the bigger issue lies within the team’s performance. “I don’t know that it fixes the root of the issue, which is we need to play better.”
Paul Skenes on the Derek Shelton firing
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) May 9, 2025
“I wasn’t shocked, we’re 12-26. Someone’s gotta be held accountable.” pic.twitter.com/ebHKujoxKF
The comment quickly spread online, sparking a mix of reactions. Some fans appreciated the honesty. Others felt the 22-year-old was deflecting blame or not showing enough support for his former skipper.
One fan wrote, “Bad bad look.”
Bad bad look
— PF (@RealistPF) May 9, 2025
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Another fan commented, “Cause he’s just so great himself right?”
Cause he’s just so great himself right?
— FlashPickz⚡️ (@Flashleaks_) May 10, 2025
Another fan replied, “Sorry @Paul_Skenes but the players are the one who actually play tho.”
Sorry @Paul_Skenes but the players are the one who actually play tho.
— DemPicks (@SolidPicks88) May 10, 2025
One fan commented, “He’s already a top arm in the league but this is an immature quote. No one wins in Pittsburgh for a reason and it has nothing to do with the coach. That’s a rookie move by Skenes.”
He’s already a top arm in the league but this is an immature quote. No one wins in Pittsburgh for a reason and it has nothing to do with the coach. That’s a rookie move by Skenes.
— Jimmy McNulty (@LifeinthMiddle) May 10, 2025
One fan replied, “he hates it there.”
he hates it there😭
— optimistic nats fan (@optimistic5518) May 9, 2025
Another fan wrote, “They can’t hit the ball it’s their fault . Players need to be held accountable.”
They can’t hit the ball it’s their fault . Players need to be held accountable
— JuiceFreeTheory (@JuiceFreeTheory) May 9, 2025
Paul Skenes Urges Team Growth
Still, Skenes maintained a team-first focus. “If nothing else, we better grow, because if we don’t grow then it’s a completely lost season,” he added. “Just got to keep going and understand the urgency of where we’re at right now.”
With bench coach Don Kelly now stepping in as interim manager, the Pirates are looking for a reset. Skenes, who has had a rollercoaster season so far, may have made a controversial remark, but they also reflect the urgency in Pittsburgh’s clubhouse.
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