Paul Skenes struggles as the Pirates lose 7-3 to the Tigers on July 21, 2025, extending their skid. Can homers from Oneil Cruz & Bryan Reynolds spark a turnaround?
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Another night at PNC Park, another frustrating result. The Pittsburgh Pirates dropped their fourth consecutive game Monday, falling 7-3 to the Detroit Tigers in a contest that saw rookie phenom Paul Skenes have a rare human moment on the mound. While the major league club struggles to find its footing, the organization did provide a glimpse of the future, officially signing a trio of intriguing prospects from the 2025 draft class.
He led the Big 12 in batting average (.403) and hits (87).
The optimism surrounding Paul Skenes' start quickly faded as the Tigers' offense proved relentless. Skenes, who entered the game with a sparkling 2.01 ERA, couldn't find his rhythm and was tagged with the loss. The Pirates' offense showed some signs of life but couldn't muster enough to overcome the deficit. Oneil Cruz continues his power surge, now sitting at 16 homers and 39 RBIs for the season, while Bryan Reynolds added his 10th home run and 46th RBI. Still, the effort wasn't enough to prevent the team's record from falling to a dismal 39-62, keeping them firmly in the NL Central cellar.
While the big league club faltered, the Pirates' front office was busy securing future talent. The team announced the signings of three 2025 draftees, headlined by third baseman Murf Gray. The 73rd overall pick was a monster at Fresno State, hitting .324/.398/.639 with 18 homers and 73 RBI, earning Mountain West Championship MVP honors. He's joined by fellow Fresno State product, RHP Jack Anker (6th round), who struck out 130 batters, and Arizona State infielder Matt King (10th round), who led the Big 12 with a .403 batting average.
These signings represent a crucial step in replenishing a farm system that has graduated many of its top prospects to the majors in recent years. With players like Skenes, Jared Jones, and Henry Davis now in Pittsburgh, the organization needs a new wave of talent to continue building a sustainable winner. The additions of a power-hitting corner infielder like Gray, a strikeout pitcher in Anker, and a pure hitter like King show a continued commitment to data-driven scouting and development, aiming to build depth at all levels.
It was a day of contrasts for the Pirates. The present is frustrating, with a four-game skid and a rare off-night for the team's ace. But the future got a little brighter with the official addition of some exciting college talent. The focus now shifts to snapping this losing streak on the field while the front office works to sign the remaining 18 draft picks, most notably first-rounder Seth Hernandez. Today was a reminder that the path to contention is rarely a straight line.
