LAS VEGAS — A surprising claim from inside the Pittsburgh Pirates clubhouse has ignited fresh debate about Paul Skenes and his long term baseball future. An anonymous teammate told NJ Advance Media that Skenes has privately expressed interest in joining the Yankees, a revelation that came just as the 23 year old pitcher celebrated his unanimous National League Cy Young Award.
The comments have pushed the Yankees into the center of a new wave of speculation. They also raised questions about the relationship between Skenes and the Pirates at a time when the club is trying to build around its young ace.
Ex-Pirates player divulges Skenes’ true feelings
The anonymous teammate claimed Skenes has been open about his desire to pitch for the Yankees one day. The teammate told reporter Randy Miller, “Trust me, he wants to play for the Yankees. I’ve heard him say it multiple times.”
The teammate also described frustration inside the Pirates clubhouse. According to the source, Skenes has “no confidence the Pirates ever are going to win” during his years with the team. The right hander is under club control through 2029, but the source said he hopes for a trade well before that timeline.
The claim surfaced during the GM Meetings in Las Vegas. It came only hours after Skenes became the third Pirate to win a Cy Young Award, joining Vern Law in 1960 and Doug Drabek in 1990. The timing created an unexpected cloud over what should have been a pure celebration for the Pittsburgh organization.
Speculation swirls around informant’s identity
The comments set off a guessing game across baseball circles. Reporters and fans began wondering which teammate broke ranks.
One name tied to the discussion is Isiah Kiner Falefa. He spent the 2024 season and part of 2025 with the Pirates after leaving the Yankees. During his time in Pittsburgh, he supported Skenes in public interviews and praised his Cy Young push. His experience in New York and his familiarity with the Yankees made him an early subject of speculation.
Another name mentioned is Tommy Pham. The veteran outfielder is known for speaking openly throughout his career. His direct style and history of public disputes made him a potential candidate to have revealed Skenes’ comments.
The informant could be any player who shared the clubhouse during the Pirates’ 71 win season in 2025. Pittsburgh finished last in the National League Central. The frustration of a losing year created the backdrop for the anonymous teammate’s remarks.
Cherington dismisses Yankees rumors but admits interest
Pirates general manager Ben Cherington spoke to reporters about the situation. He addressed the rumor during a Tuesday night media session at The Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas.
“I do dismiss it, but I understand it,” Cherington said. “What we’re going to focus on is just how do we win games with him in a Pirates uniform. I have a ton of respect for the Yankees, but we’ll just focus on what we need to do.”
Cherington said other teams have asked about Skenes. “The question gets asked, and it’s always respectful,” he said. Even with the trade inquiries, Cherington made the team’s position clear. “He’s going to be a Pirate in 2026,” he stated.
The Pirates have every reason to hold firm. Skenes is their most valuable asset and one of baseball’s most dominant young pitchers. His debut came in May 2024. He delivered a historic follow up season in 2025 with a 1.97 ERA, 216 strikeouts and 187.2 innings pitched. His success carried even greater weight because the Pirates ranked last in the league in scoring.
Financial realities fuel trade speculation
The financial gap between the Pirates and Yankees has shaped the ongoing speculation. The Pirates had a payroll of about 87.6 million dollars in 2025. They ranked near the bottom of Major League Baseball in spending. Cherington said he hoped the team would increase payroll by a few million dollars for 2026.
Skenes, who signed a record 9.2 million dollar bonus as the 2023 first overall pick, remains under team control for four more seasons. His salary will rise once he enters arbitration in 2027. The Yankees, by comparison, operate at a far higher financial level. Their track record shows a clear willingness to commit long term money to elite pitchers.
This difference has fueled outside talk that the Yankees could move aggressively for Skenes if the relationship between the pitcher and the Pirates shifts. His age, talent and early production fit the profile of the type of arm the Yankees seek to anchor their rotation.
Yankees connection extends beyond baseball
Skenes may also have personal ties that draw him toward New York. His girlfriend, LSU gymnast and social media figure Livvy Dunne, grew up in New Jersey and frequently works in New York City. Her strong presence in the region has been noted by fans. It has added to the belief that the Yankees hold natural appeal for Skenes.
The right hander grew up in Orange County in California. He rooted for the Angels. He began his college career at the Air Force Academy before transferring to LSU. His rise to the top of the draft board and his jump to the Pirates were rapid. That has shaped the current discussion about where he may want to go next.
With Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodon under contract for now, the Yankees face decisions about their future rotation. The timing of Skenes’ long term window aligns with questions about how the Yankees will build pitching depth into the next decade.
Skenes speaks on priorities after Cy Young win
Skenes kept his focus on team goals after winning the Cy Young Award. During his press conference, he said, “The recognition is great. It’s temporary. It’s about advancing the game, making the game better. Making the Pittsburgh Pirates jersey that I’m wearing better.”
Those words show commitment to the Pirates. The anonymous teammate’s comments tell a different story. The contradiction is at the center of the current rumor.
Whether Skenes remains with the Pirates through 2029 is the question driving the conversation. The teammate’s remarks suggest he has a preferred outcome. The Yankees continue to hover as the team most likely to benefit if the situation ever reaches a breaking point.
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