The stage was set, the moment was big, and the cameras were rolling—just not for the reaction anyone expected. While most athletes might pump a fist, crack a grin, or at least feign some excitement, Paul Skenes delivered a response so low-energy it could power a nap. The Pirates had news, but Skenes had just one word in return.

Paul Skenes has been an absolute revelation for the Pirates after coming to the MLB. Many of the fans were waiting for him to be a regular pitcher for the Pirates and now the time is here. The Pittsburgh Pirates have made a big decision about this.

Pittsburgh Pirates put out a post that showed the Pirates GM, Derek Shelton told Skenes that he was going to be the opening day pitcher for them. The reaction to this news was not something that all the fans expected. Skenes said, “sweet.” 

His cold reaction to this big news was a surprise to many of the fans. But if not him, who else deserves it? In 2024, he was one of the best pitchers in the League, with an ERA of 1.96. This ERA comes along with a win-loss record of 11-3 and 170 strikeouts. With this, Skenes set a new franchise record for a rookie with the most strikeouts in his first season.

But the thing that impressed most of the analysts was 11.50 K/9 which was very good for a rookie. All these added up to him being in the All-MLB First Team and winning NL Rookie of the Year. Paul Skenes also started in the All-Star game for the NL side and is one of the 5 rookies to do this.

Perhaps fans expected fireworks, a fist pump, or at least a raised eyebrow—but Skenes delivered a response colder than a Pittsburgh winter. Love it or hate it, that’s just who he is. The Pirates made their decision, and Skenes made his—he’ll let his pitching do the talking. Fans might not have expected his reaction, but opponents? They better expect dominance.

Pirates fans are happy for Paul Skenes but take a jab at the management

Pirates fans aren’t easy to impress, and they’re even harder to fool. While they’re celebrating a well-deserved moment for Paul Skenes, they haven’t missed the chance to aim a few fastballs of their own—this time, at the front office. The cheers are loud, but so is the sarcasm. After all, even good decisions can come with a side of skepticism.

“Show the video from last year where you told them you were sending him to the minors to manipulate his service time because you’re not willing to pay any of your players,” said one fan. The community can tell that this is not the reaction that was expected by the fans, but can you blame them? The Pirates’ management has been facing backlash for some time now. Most of the fans say that the management is penny-pinching and does not want to spend anything on the team. This reaction shows the frustration that is built up by the fan base and every tactic the Pirates have made is being questioned.

The fans are already ready for the news of Paul Skenes leaving them for a better team, embodied by this fan’s reaction, “I’m gonna miss him when he inevitably leaves us.” Not because he thinks there are better teams or does not like the franchise but just because the Pirates management can’t open their wallet for a generational talent like Paul Skenes.

“Lmao he ain’t even excited because duhh he already knew this,” said another fan. Well, this is the thought of most of the fans that saw this video. Paul Skenes won the NL Rookie of the Year last year and everybody expected him to be the starting pitcher for the Pirates. But did Skenes know that this is a different question together which only he can answer.

While some fans think that Skenes will leave, others have already made up their mind as to where he will end up. With the Yankees always looking to improve, this fan thinks that he is already there and will be pitching on the opening day for the Yankees in the coming seasons. “Wonder how big his reaction will be when he’s pitching opening day for the Yankees.”

Was Skenes Surprised? Or just think as expected? A question for him to answer. But by the reaction he had to this news, many fans think that he already knew about this news and hence the cold reaction by Skenes.

Whether Skenes saw this coming or not, Pirates fans certainly saw their next heartbreak loading. His reaction was cold, but the fan base’s skepticism is red-hot. If Pittsburgh’s management doesn’t pay up, they might as well start designing his Yankees jersey now—because fans already have.