Paul Skenes was left speechless by a reporter at the 2026 All-Star Game in Philadelphia’s Citizens Bank Park.
During MLB All-Star media availability, a reporter loudly linked the Pittsburgh Pirates ace to the New York Yankees. The reporter was trying to ignite speculation about Skenes possibly joining the Yankees in the near future.
“Just got the best interview of all time with Paul Skenes. Future Yankee,” the reporter said.
Skenes was visibly puzzled after hearing this, unsure why the reporter would say this. The moment spread quickly on social media.
The reporter faced the fury of fans online, with many questioning his credentials.
“This reporter also should not have a job anymore,” one fan said.
Paul Skenes Has Talked About Yankees Rumor Previously
This was not the first time that, out of nowhere, the reigning NL Cy Young winner was faced with speculation about joining the Yankees.
In November, an anonymous Pirates teammate, quoted by NJ Advance Media’s Randy Miller, claimed Skenes had talked about wanting to play for the Yankees and would like to get traded there before reaching free agency after the 2029 season.
However, Skenes pushed back on those claims, saying the reports were false and mentioning that he has never expressed the desire to play for the New York team.
“I was frustrated for a couple of hours and then got over it and talked to the media later that night,” Skenes said on The Pat McAfee Show. “It is what it is. There’s stuff that’s gonna come out, good and bad. Obviously, it’s not true.”
The Pirates have also shut down the rumors. General manager Ben Cherington made it clear that they will not trade their star pitcher.
“Paul Skenes is going to be a Pirate in 2026,” the GM told reporters at the MLB general managers meetings in Las Vegas.
The rumors were also ignited when Skenes’ girlfriend and social media star Olivia Dunne purchased a home in Manhattan’s West Village last year. However, that purchase has nothing to do with Skenes’ future.
Aside from that, Skenes was selected for his third straight All-Star Game. He became just the third Pirates pitcher to be selected to three consecutive All-Star Games, joining Rip Sewell and Elroy Face. He is also the first Pirate since Andrew McCutchen to make three straight Midsummer Classics.
Despite the selection, Skenes will not feature in the contest due to his scheduled start on July 12. In 18 starts this season, Skenes has posted a 3.62 ERA, 1.01 WHIP, and 119 strikeouts.
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