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Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes is already one of the top arms in Major League Baseball. The second-year pro is the Cy Young favorite as we inch closer to the All-Star break.
With that being said, baseball won’t be his professional occupation forever. It seems he already knows how his career will transition after retirement.
The Pirates‘ ace was spotted on the field with the grounds crew before a game on Tuesday. He spent nearly a half-hour with the group just walking around the infield while they got the diamond ready for play.
Paul Skenes looks to have joined the Pirates grounds crew. He’s been out there, chopping it up with the boys for a good 15-20 minutes now. pic.twitter.com/QtRlGwcKqA
— Noah Hiles (@_NoahHiles) July 1, 2025
Noah Hiles of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette followed up on the photo with an update about the situation. Paul Skenes says he walked out of the clubhouse due to pregame boredom.
Followed up on this. Paul said he was out there because he was bored. Added that he would love to cut grass professionally whenever his baseball days are over.
@_NoahHiles / X
Lawn care pro Paul Skenes has a nice ring. There’s something about cutting grass that can be calming, quieting any and all noise that surrounds you. Jim Harbaugh calls it one of life’s great feelings.
Skenes was bored. He was probably looking to get his mind off of his upcoming start for a few minutes. Interacting with the grounds crew might’ve been a way to relax and relieve some pregame jitters. What better way to do so?
He wasn’t necessarily “bored” with being a Pirate, though some took it that way. His team’s performance only fanned those flames.
Skenes threw five scoreless innings yet couldn’t record the win. It’s a trend that’s been seen throughout the 2025 campaign. Despite leading the National League in ERA (2.03), he’s posted a 4-7 record.
Speculation on his future in Pittsburgh has been a talking point this season, though for now, it doesn’t seem the Pirates are looking to deal their young superstar. His boredom, however, might continue to grow should his team’s offensive struggles continue.
Maybe the club can get him a spot on the grounds crew to make his stay more enjoyable.