Luxury pirate speculation: Jeff Passan plans $500 million Paul Skenes contract projection
Baseball Superstar Paul Skenes Set for Historical Contract
Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes is gearing up to be one of the biggest names in baseball when he hits the open market. ESPN's baseball expert, Jeff Passan, predicts that Skenes could land a whopping $500 million contract, making him baseball's first half-billion-dollar pitcher.
The Pirates' young ace might even surpass that astronomical figure, according to Passan. Comparing Skenes to the prodigious talent of Juan Soto, who signed a groundbreaking $765 million deal with the New York Mets, Passan belives Skenes could usher in a new era of colossal contracts.
In his piece for ESPN, Passan analyzes the potential earnings for top-tier players approaching free agency. Given Skenes' status as the best pitching prospect in recent memory and his productivity, age, and marketability, he's a prime candidate for breaking new financial ground.
Skenes, the former number 1 overall draft pick, had an impressive rookie season, earning All-Star honors and securing the National League Rookie of the Year award. However, the Pirates are currently in the midst of a tough season, with a record of 12-24, one of the worst offensive records in MLB. They've lost eight of their last ten games, a frustrating turn for fans.
The Struggling Pirates' Shining Star
Despite the team's struggles, Skenes remains a beacon of hope for the Pirates. In 2025, he boasts a 3-3 record and a 2.74 ERA, already equaling his losses from the entire 2024 season.
Frustration among Pirates fans is high, with the team appearing destined for another losing season and the organization's frugal spending habits coming under scrutiny. Given Pittsburgh's historically low payroll (under $90 million since 2017), it's uncertain if they can afford a $500 million contract for Skenes, who is set to become a free agent after the 2029 season.
Although Skenes and the Pirates discussed the possibility of a contract extension in the offseason, little progress seemed to be made. The future of this talented pitcher in a struggling franchise remains uncertain.
The Pirates continue their season on Tuesday against the St. Louis Cardinals. As Skenes continues to dominate on the mound, the question on everyone's mind is where he'll land when he becomes a free agent. With a coveted talent like Skenes, baseball's wealthiest franchises may find themselves embroiled in a bidding war for his services.
- Rumors surrounding Paul Skenes suggest he could break financial ground in the baseball market, potentially surpassing Juan Soto's record-breaking $765 million contract.
- ESPN's Jeff Passan predicts Skenes might secure a whopping $500 million contract, making him the first half-billion-dollar pitcher in baseball history.
- In 2025, Skenes might still be with the struggling Pittsburgh Pirates, despite speculation on where he will end up as a free agent.
- Given the Pirates' frugal spending habits and historically low payroll, it remains uncertain if they can afford to keep Skenes once he becomes a free agent in 2029.
- Despite the team's struggles, the betting odds for Skenes' future are high, with several sports franchises showing interest in the young pitching phenom.
- Skenes' marketability, combined with his impressive pitching stats and historic contract possibilities, has turned the 2025 baseball draft and the entire sports market's focus on the Pittsburgh Pirates' star pitcher.
