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Pirates general manager Ben Cherington gave an update on the organization’s talks with No. 1 overall pick Paul Skenes on Sunday.
Skenes, who was somewhat of a surprise pick at No. 1 in last week’s MLB Draft, has not yet signed his contract with the Pirates.
Cherington said the Pirates are “hopeful” they will get something done prior to the July 25 deadline.
“We’re certainly hopeful,” he said. “I think we selected him with a combined feeling with Paul that this is something we want too go into together.”
GMBC's thoughts on whether the team will be able to sign Skenes:
“We’re certainly hopeful…I think we selected him with a combined feeling with Paul that this is something we want to go into together.”
— Andrew Destin (@AndrewDestin1) July 16, 2023
Cherington also revealed that the team had not made a decision on who to draft with the top pick until the draft began.
If Skenes does not sign with the Pirates, he will be re-entered into the 2024 MLB Draft. He would be eligible to return to LSU for the 2024 campaign if he doesn’t sign before the deadline.
The slot value for the No. 1 overall pick in 2023 was $9,721,000.
Skenes is widely considered to be one of the top pitching prospects in recent memory. He’s the first pitcher to be selected No. 1 overall since Casey Mize in 2018.
The Pirates’ deadline to sign Skenes is at 5 p.m. ET on July 25.
Spenser is a news editor for Saturday Down South and covers college football across all Saturday Football brands.
