Pirates’ Future Brightens as Prospects Skenes and Griffin Signal Potential Turnaround
Pittsburgh Pirates fans may have reason for cautious optimism as the development of pitching prospect Paul Skenes and infielder Konnor Griffin suggests a potential end to decades of losing baseball, a shift that could dramatically alter the competitive landscape of the National League Central.
Skenes, who debuted this season, already produced 6.5 fWAR in 2025, demonstrating exceptional performance on the mound. Coupled with the anticipated rise of Griffin, Baseball America’s top prospect, the Pirates could soon boast two stars capable of elevating the team’s fortunes. Historical data indicates teams with two players achieving 5+ WAR (Wins Above Replacement) typically experience significant success; over the past 15 seasons, 59% of such teams have won 90 or more games, and 62% have reached the postseason.
The Pirates’ pipeline extends beyond Skenes and Griffin, with promising arms like Bubba Chandler, Jared Jones, and Seth Hernandez also progressing through the system. This depth of talent is particularly noteworthy given the team’s recent struggles – since 1992, following Barry Bonds’ departure, Pittsburgh has only had four winning seasons. The success of these prospects is crucial, as having multiple high-impact players is increasingly vital in modern baseball, as highlighted by FanGraphs’ analysis of team performance.
However, the Pirates’ history serves as a cautionary tale; even a 98-win season in 2015 wasn’t enough to secure a playoff berth due to the strength of the National League Central. The team must also avoid the pitfalls experienced by other organizations, such as the Los Angeles Angels, who despite having stars like Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani, failed to translate individual talent into consistent team success. Paul Skenes’ continued health and Griffin’s development will be key to avoiding a similar fate.
Pirates officials have stated they remain focused on player development and building a sustainable winning culture, and will continue to evaluate the team’s progress throughout the offseason.
