David Bednar Trade Should Be the Death Blow to Paul Skenes’ Pirates Future originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Perhaps the worst part about the 2025 MLB trade deadline involves a player who, as of publication, had not been traded — and who almost certainly won’t be traded anytime soon.

The admission may leave some scratching their heads — and Cherington is facing increased pressure in his sixth season as Pirates GM with fans clamoring for a winner around electric ace Paul Skenes.