Paul Skenes was the National League Rookie of the Year as a member of the Pirates in 2024 and is the favorite to win the 2025 NL Cy Young Award on Wednesday night as a member of the Pirates. But just two seasons into his already tremendous career,

Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reported that the Pirates plan on spending on the free agent market, bucking the trend of their offseason activity for the past 10 years. Feinsand didn't have a money total that the Pirates would spend in free agency, but reported that it's around $30-40 million.

Ben Cherington and the Pirates plan to increase their payroll by $30-40 million this offseason, which could position them as potential suitors for catcher J.T. Realmuto.

It could be a semi-active offseason in the Steel City. Find out the latest on the Pirates' payroll projection at MLB Trade Rumors.p

Ben Roethlisberger issues an apology to a former teammate. Ben Cherington addresses trade conversations about Paul Skenes. Gerrit Cole gives a health update. Plus, the Pittsburgh Steelers are getting a different CBS broadcast team this week.

After finishing 20 games below .500 and last in the NL Central this year, the Pittsburgh Pirates have some work to do this offseason. Fortunately, it sounds like general manager Ben Cherington has more wiggle room to make moves than in years past,

Financially, Mitch Keller is no longer a fit for the Pittsburgh Pirates under Bob Nutting's austerity, and Ben Cherington must get a deal done before it's too late.