"We're going to win in different way than Dodgers & Yankees" - Paul Skenes optimistic of Pirates' future success, looks forward to Spring training

Paul Skenes has taken the MLB by storm. The first overall selection of the 2023 MLB draft has not only lived up to the expectations but has exceeded them. Even though Skenes was dubbed the best pitching prospect since Stephen Strasburg, it was hard to imagine anyone predicting just how dominant he would be in his rookie season.

Over 133.0 innings of work, Skenes posted an excellent 11-3 record with a 1.96 ERA and 170 strikeouts. As a result of his dominance, Skenes earned both an All-Star selection, as well as the National League Rookie of the Year. While he has already proven that he is a winner through and through, the same cannot be said about the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Pittsburgh has not won a World Series since 1979 and has not reached the postseason since 2015. The superstar pitcher is optimistic about where the team is and where it is headed. In a one-on-one interview with Jim Lachimia of MLB.com on Wednesday, Skenes shared his thoughts on the team's future.

"My hope is, we got that out of our system and we’re going to have more self-awareness in terms of how we’re going to be able to win moving forward," Skenes said. "I know the talent here is going to get better."

Although Skenes believes that the Pittsburgh Pirates system has several intriguing players either already on the team or coming up, he is aware of the business aspect of the MLB.

The Pirates are not a franchise that historically finds themselves in the mix for top-tier, expensive free agents such as Shohei Ohtani or Juan Soto, but he believes that they can get it done without paying up for the talent.

"(Pirates chairman Bob Nutting) is willing to listen because he wants to win, which is good because that’s not the picture that a lot of people paint of him," Skenes said. "The only difference is we’re going to win in a little bit different way than the Dodgers and the Yankees. But we’re going to win."

Paul Skenes is already eyeing Spring Training as he thinks the Pirates can surprise teams next year

The Pittsburgh Pirates may have missed the postseason yet again in 2024, but this is not something that has not lessened Paul Skenes' belief in the team. After a late-season collapse ultimately led to the club falling out of playoff contention, Skeens said that the Pirates will be competitive next season without having to make significant changes to their roster.

"I’m not going to say nobody is going to stop us, but I like our chances because there are simple and straightforward ways for us to win a lot more games without any huge, sweeping changes," Skenes said. "I know I can’t wait for Spring Training to start."

Pittsburgh will need to address a few positions this offseason; however, with the talented players already on the roster, Skenes may not be wrong. If younger players such as Henry Davis and Ke'Bryan Hayes can take another step forward, it could go a long way toward competing in 2025.