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Are the Pirates Squandering Their Chance with Skenes? Let's Discuss!

Posted: Wed Jan 29, 2025 10:20 am
by UltimateFan
The Pittsburgh Pirates are making headlines this offseason, but not necessarily for the right reasons. With the recent signings of Adam Frazier and Tim Mayza, the team seems to be taking a cautious approach rather than going all-in on a potential playoff run. This raises some intriguing questions about their strategy moving forward.

First off, can the Pirates really afford to be so conservative when they have a generational talent like Paul Skenes on their roster? Skenes is not just any pitcher; he’s a franchise-altering player who could anchor a competitive team for years to come. With the NL Central being relatively weak, is this the perfect opportunity for the Pirates to make a splash and build a contender around him? Or are they playing it safe, hoping that Frazier and Mayza can provide just enough depth to keep them afloat?

Moreover, what does this say about the Pirates' commitment to their young core? With Skenes’ team-controlled time ticking away, are they risking losing him to free agency down the line by not surrounding him with better talent? It’s a classic case of “build it or lose it.” If they don’t capitalize on this window, could we see Skenes in another uniform sooner than we think?

Let’s also talk about the signings themselves. Frazier, while versatile, has struggled in recent years. Is he really the answer to the Pirates' offensive woes, or is this just a stopgap measure? And what about Mayza? He’s shown promise against lefties, but can he be relied upon in high-leverage situations?

As fans and analysts, what are your thoughts? Are the Pirates making a mistake by not going all-in this offseason? What bold moves would you suggest they make to support their young talent? And do you think Frazier and Mayza can actually contribute to a playoff push, or are they simply placeholders in a larger strategy? Let’s hear your takes!