Baseball is a team sport—one superstar can’t drag a squad to October. But are the Pirates trying to do just that? They’ve got their ace, Paul Skenes, but do they have the lineup to back him up? That’s the million-dollar question. Fans are already wondering: Are the Pirates putting too much weight on Skenes’ shoulders, considering he’s still a rookie? Yet, despite the criticism, insiders still predict a solid season for Pittsburgh.

And why wouldn’t they? Skenes is a certified phenom. The reigning NL Rookie of the Year went 11-3 with a 1.96 ERA and 170 strikeouts in just 133 innings. What was his career ERA? Below 2.00 over 22 starts—something no MLB pitcher has done since 1913. Even Ben Verlander called him a “once-in-a-generation” talent. But as incredible as he is, baseball isn’t a one-man show. Even Shohei Ohtani can’t carry the Dodgers alone. So, do the Pirates have what it takes to support their ace?

“The offense just continued to not add around them. You’re certainly not doing everything you can do to help a winning team,” MLB insider Ben Verlander said in his podcast Flippin’ Bats with Ben Verlander. Yes, the Pirates do have a few talents, but are they enough to support Skenes? It’s a direct take to the Pirates owner Bob Nutting for not spending enough this offseason. It is also to be noted that fans come out to watch the games when their team offers a contending performance. A lone Paul Skenes might not be enough to pull crowds for the Pirates. 

Skenes’ backed Pirates can be a dark horse in 2025

What did the Pirates get other than Paul Skenes? “Skenes, Keller, Jones, love that,” added Verlander. Jared Jones and Mitch Keller are in the starting rotation with Skenes, and as per Verlander, it would be a treat to watch this trio. But the concern for the Pirates will be their offense. Why? The team got Oneil Cruz, Nick Yorke, and Jared Triolo. Cruz is coming up with 21 homers and 76 RBIs, while Triolo is coming up with 9 homers and Yorke with 2. So, both being rookies, how can they support the jacked-up pitching squad? A missed chance this off-season!

This offseason, the Pirates went all dry with no big signings on the team, and that’s evident in their lineup. So, how are they projected to do this year? Well, Verlander still thinks they can beat any team on any given day. How? Cruz can emerge as 2025’s breakout power-speed sensation if he can have a healthy season and hit his peak. If the players like Cruz can shoulder the majority of the offensive burden, the Pirates should be able to end their postseason wait. They just need to score runs consistently, and the bullpen also needs to find its rhythm. A lot of “IFs,” but it is still achievable!

Even with Paul Skenes as the center of attraction for the Pirates, their lineup can pull off a few miracles this year. 

Do you think that the Pirates are strong enough this year? Share your thoughts with us below.