NEWNow you can listen to Fox News articles!
Paul Skens receives an award for his historic performance.
In just his second season in the major leagues Pittsburgh Pirates Flamethrower led the tournament with a 1.97 ERA, striking out 216 batters en route to a unanimous National League Cy Young Award win.
Skenes, who is not even eligible to participate in arbitration yet, will receive a record $3.4 million from the pre-arbitration bonus pool created in 2022.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS RESOURCES ON FOXNEWS.COM
Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Paul Skens reacts after striking out Cincinnati Reds shortstop Allie De La Cruz to end the third inning at PNC Park. (Charles LeClair/Imagn Images)
A $50 million pool was included in the newest collective bargaining agreement to reward top players who are not yet eligible for arbitration (no more than three years of MLB service). The previous record was Bobby Witt Jr.'s $3.1 million for the 2024 season, which was achieved after signing an 11-year, $288.7 million contract with the club. Kansas City Royals before the beginning of the year.
Skence received $2.5 million for winning the Cy Young Award alone. Last year he earned more than $2 million for his unanimous decision. Rookie of the Year performance despite not making his MLB debut until May 11.
Skenes is under team control for the rest of this decade, but given the Pirates' history of not paying big players, his name is already circulating in the rumor mill.
Pirates pitcher Paul Skeens hits a hit against the Chicago Cubs in Pittsburgh on September 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Jean J. Pushkar, File)
RED SOX ADD SONNY GRAY TO TRADE ROTATION, AND CARDINALS PICKUP A COUPLE OF YOUNG HITTERS
Skence was linked to the New York Yankees in a report New Jersey Advance Media. Skenes' former Pirates teammate reportedly told the publication that the pitcher was “hoping to get traded” before he becomes a free agent in 2029. Skines, however, rejected this idea.
Skenes, who is set to become a free agent at age 28, could have even more MLB records to his name. Los Angeles Dodgers. At 25, he got that deal before he even played in the MLB, winning three straight MVP awards in Japan.
Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Paul Skence celebrates with teammates after leaving a Marlins game at LandDepot Park in Miami on March 27, 2025. (Sam Navarro-Imagne Images)
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
The largest contract the Pirates have ever given is the $106.8 million deal they gave Bryan Reynolds ahead of the 2023 season. Ke'Bryan Hayes comes in second with $70 million, ahead of Jason Kendall's $60 million in 2000.
Follow Fox News Digital sports reporting on Xand subscribe to Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter
