FT Leadoff

Paul Skenes demonstrated the maturity of a veteran when he told MLB.com’s Alex Stumpf that the city of Pittsburgh deserves a higher standard. If only Pirates owner Bob Nutting felt the same.

While Skenes didn’t outwardly criticize Pirates ownership for their lack of willingness to improve the on-field product, he might not have needed to go on record saying the city deserves better if Nutting made an effort to improve the roster.

PNC Park is a destination, and the organization is rich with young pitching talent, but the offense is still lacking.

If you think Skenes is tired of watching highlights of the 2013 NL Wild Card game, don’t you think the fans have been feeling that way for years?

It’s been far too long since the Pirates made a splash in free agency. The last time they signed an outside free agent to a multi-year deal was in December 2016, when they inked Ivan Nova to a three-year, $26M deal. Pirates fans have every right to be angry with ownership.

It’s time for Bob Nutting to put up or sell the team.

Watch - Dejan Kovacevic of DK Pittsburgh Sports spills the tea on Pirates ownership and Bob Nutting’s head-scratching finances.

• Full Video - FT Senior Insider Ken Rosenthal discusses the underrated Atlanta Braves, a recent lawsuit involving the Phillies, and explains why he isn’t sold on the Blue Jays nearing an extension with Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

• View - Should the Phillies be outsourcing data from third-party companies?

• View - Do the A’s have a realistic shot to win the AL West?

• Full Video - Braves outfielder Jurickson Profar reflects on last year’s Dodgers-Padres NLDS, his breakout season, and clarifies comments taken out of context.

• View - Jurickson Profar said he had a chip on his shoulder coming into 2024.

• View - Jurickson Profar clarifies offseason comments that were taken out of context.

Watch - AJ Pierzynski and Cameron Maybin offer their thoughts on Ron Washington banning the use of cell phones at players’ lockers.

Watch - Todd Frazier, Erik Kratz, and Scott Braun react to The Athletic’s top-100 position player rankings.

Watch - Todd Frazier, Erik Kratz, and Scott Braun discuss the Braves giving Alex Verdugo a chance to re-establish himself.

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