Thu Mar 27 11:10:00 UTC 2025: ## Pirates Pitcher Paul Skenes Calls for Higher Standards, Increased Effort from Franchise

**Pittsburgh, PA** – Pittsburgh Pirates pitching ace Paul Skenes recently issued a pointed critique of the franchise’s performance, emphasizing the team’s responsibility to the city. In an interview with MLB.com, Skenes stated, “It’s our job to go out and win for the city, because this is bigger than all of us…The bar needs to be set pretty high. Not taking anything from those guys, the fact that that’s a golden era of recent Pirates baseball, that needs to change. We owe it to the city.”

Skenes’ comments, also echoed in a separate interview with TribLIVE’s Kevin Gorman, highlight the team’s underwhelming performance in recent years. He specifically referenced the Pirates’ single Wild Card victory in 2013, suggesting that such infrequent playoff appearances are unacceptable. The sentiment reflects a broader dissatisfaction among fans regarding the team’s consistently low payrolls, drafting, and overall management.

While Skenes’ “we” remains ambiguous – referring possibly to players, coaches, management, or owner Bob Nutting – the underlying message is clear: the Pirates owe Pittsburgh more, both in terms of results and demonstrable effort. The author notes the significant public funding used to build PNC Park, further emphasizing the team’s responsibility to the community.

The article concludes by supporting Skenes’ assessment, highlighting the long-standing lack of playoff success, and urging the franchise to improve its performance before Skenes potentially departs the team in the coming years.

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