As the 2025 MLB trade deadline approaches, the Pittsburgh Pirates find themselves in a familiar position, as they did last year. They are well out of playoff contention and looking to change things soon. After an unsuccessful offseason, Pittsburgh is trying to rebuild its team.
However, this year’s deadline strategy has a twist. The team has made a shocking announcement about which players are off-limits and which could be on the move. As expected, the franchise is not ready to part ways with All-Star flamethrower Paul Skenes.
It’s hard for the Pittsburgh Pirates to part ways with their best pitcher. Skenes is considered one of the top five pitchers in the MLB, and letting him go would be unwise. Along with Skenes, they are not ready to part ways with Oneil Cruz. What’s more surprising is that they are willing to listen to offers on every other player on the Pirates’ squad.
The #Pirates are willing listen to offers on every player besides Paul Skenes and Oneil Cruz, per @BNightengale pic.twitter.com/9WTQJZKHRx
— MLB Deadline News (@MLBDeadlineNews) June 1, 2025
Skenes and Cruz are undeniably the top players for the Pirates. Yet, it seems a little over the top since they are ready to trade the entire team.
Pittsburgh Pirates Hold The Worst Record In The NL Central
The Pirates are one of the worst teams in the league as they sit at the bottom of the NL Central. The club is holding only a miserable 22-37 record and is 14.5 games behind the Chicago Cubs in the top position.
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One thing is certain: the Pittsburgh Pirates will be active in trade discussions. While Skenes and Cruz are staying put, Bryan Reynolds, Ke’Bryan Hayes, and others could be wearing new uniforms by August. For Pirates fans, the hope is that these moves will help the team for a brighter future.
Despite the team’s struggles, Paul Skenes and O’Neil Cruz have been incredible performers. The Pirates will draw interest from several teams for other players, which can be a great chance for the team to rebuild itself. For now, their playoff dreams are far gone, and many believe the team is wasting Skenes’ talent.
The Pittsburgh Pirates are ranked at No. 27 in their MLB week 9 power rankings.
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