Rumors of Paul Skenes joining the New York Yankees have largely fizzled out, but the early chatter stirred plenty of excitement. While teammates and insiders sometimes fuel speculation, the reality makes a move to New York highly unlikely.

Why a Yankees Move Isn't Happening

Paul Skenes Shuts Down Yankees Rumors, Commits Fully to Winning Paul Skenes Shuts Down Yankees Rumors, Commits Fully to Winning
MLB

Several factors make the possibility of acquiring Skenes nearly impossible for the Yankees. First and foremost, Skenes himself doesn't appear interested in leaving Pittsburgh, per MLB.

The Pirates also don't have a reason to deal their ace, who won't reach free agency until 2030. Any potential trade package from New York would need to be unprecedented, which is something the organization likely cannot assemble.

MLB insider Robert Murray of FanSided weighed in, calling the rumors a "joke" and urging fans to move on.

"Time to forget this rumor and move on," Murray wrote, adding that he doesn't anticipate Skenes leaving the Pirates anytime soon.

Commitment to Winning with Pittsburgh from Skenes

The 23-year-old right-hander has made his message clear: he means to have success in black and gold and compete with the Pirates. Skenes is focused on helping Pittsburgh transform from one of MLB's struggling franchises into a legitimate contender.

According to Sporting News, Skenes said that his goal is to win with the Pirates.

With his talent on the mound and determination to elevate the organization, Skenes is positioning himself as the centerpiece of the Pirates' future. The team will need to make strategic moves around him, but his presence alone provides a strong base for a winning culture.