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The Pittsburgh Pirates hosted their annual fan fest event over the weekend as they look ahead to the 2025 MLB season. That celebration didn’t go quite as the franchise had envisioned.
Rather than warm welcomes, ownership was met with “Sell the Team” chants. It’s a feeling that many within the fanbase have shared under the current regime.
Don’t have it on video, but here is a transcribed layout of how the “sell the team” chant went down during the first question of “Ask Pirates management” at Pirate fest: pic.twitter.com/8e7WG87rZX
— Noah Hiles (@_NoahHiles) January 18, 2025
During a Q&A session to kick off the event, those tensions were felt between the fans and front office. It was an understandable reaction with the team fresh off an eighth losing season in the last nine years.
Owner Bob Nutting has received the brunt of the criticism for the lack of success. Most believe there’s no commitment to winning with the club failing to invest in the future.
Often, star players are traded when it comes time to pay up. Rather than extend the contracts of major contributors, the Pirates cut ties. That trend has led many to publicly shame Nutting while pressuring the family to give up control.
It was a fear going into the 2024 campaign with the future of outfielder Bryan Reynolds unclear. Though he voiced his desire to stay with the organization, trade discussions surfaced involving their All-Star. Ultimately, ownership opted to lock him down with an extension. Fans pray that continues.
Soon, Pittsburgh will have to make a similar decision with Rookie of the Year Paul Skenes. The pitcher was asked about the possibility of securing a long-term deal with the club. His response didn’t provide much confidence.
Asked NL ROY Paul Skenes what it would take to consider signing a long-term contract with the Pirates. pic.twitter.com/KDsGXXgpQl
— Kevin Gorman (@KevinGormanPGH) January 19, 2025
Skenes shined in his debut, posting an 11-3 record and 1.96 ERA. Should production continue, he’ll be set to receive a massive payday.
It would appear that Skenes is keeping all options open with his non-committal response. Should the Pirates fail to lock him down, blame will be placed at Bob Nutting’s feet.