Paul Skenes of the Pittsburgh Pirates has secured the 2024 National League Rookie of the Year Award, navigating organizational pressures that could have affected his service time. While he had a strong season, the Pirates faced criticism for their potential decision to shut him down to manipulate his service time. Instead, they allowed him to pitch through August, a choice that led to their loss of an additional year of control over Skenes. This decision highlights the ethical dilemmas often faced by teams regarding player promotion and service time regulations. While the Pirates acted favorably for Skenes’ career, their motivations were questioned in light of previous decisions like the treatment of Rowdy Tellez.

By the Numbers
  • Paul Skenes debuted in May, impacting his eligibility for a bonus draft pick.
  • With his rookie status secured, Skenes will hit free agency after the 2029 season.
Yes, But

Despite their decision to keep Skenes active, the Pirates' track record raises suspicions regarding their commitment to player welfare and ethical standards. Previous actions suggest that the organization may prioritize financial benefits over the well-being of players.

State of Play
  • Skenes is recognized as the NL Rookie of the Year after a standout season.
  • Concerns linger about how the Pirates prioritize service time manipulation in player management.
What's Next

The Pirates may face scrutiny over their player management practices as they move forward. Fans and analysts will be watching to see how the franchise upholds its commitments to emerging talent like Skenes.

Bottom Line

The Pirates navigated a tightrope between ethical practices and financial strategy in managing Paul Skenes. Their ultimate decision reflects positively for Skenes but also exposes internal conflicts that need addressing for future player engagement.