Pirates don’t want to trade Paul Skenes, but they’d have to weigh these 5 prospect packages

The Pittsburgh Pirates are making it abundantly clear: they have no plans to trade Paul Skenes. The team’s general manager, Ben Cherington, has openly stated their intentions, emphasizing that Skenes is not on the trading block. However, as any savvy baseball manager knows, the business side of the game requires them to listen when high-caliber teams come knocking. With inquiries coming in, the Pirates might find themselves weighing substantial offers should they present themselves.

At just 22 years old, Skenes has quickly established himself as one of the most valuable assets in Major League Baseball. His combination of talent and team control—over four years remaining—puts him in a rare category for a pitcher. He is not just an ace but a potential franchise cornerstone and a fan favorite. And with a salary of only $740,000 this year, his economic value enhances that of his pitcher’s performance. He won’t hit arbitration eligibility until 2027, making him a bargain for any contending team.

Currently, the Pirates find themselves in a difficult position. With a record of 20-36, they stand second to last in the National League, significantly trailing the first-place teams. Their chances of contending this season appear slim as they are on pace for yet another losing record. Under new manager Don Kelly, the aim is to improve the team’s performance and build a competitive lineup. Despite their struggles, Skenes’ impressive statistics—a 2.10 ERA over 34 major league starts—suggest that he is more than capable of being a cornerstone player.

However, the Pirates face a daunting reality. Their owner, Bob Nutting, has set financial limitations that prevent the team from committing to long-term contracts that could keep Skenes in Pittsburgh for years to come. The franchise has historically avoided hefty free-agent deals, making their position regarding Skenes even more precarious. Trading Skenes might not only be considered, but could also become a necessary strategy for improving the overall state of the team.

Given the Pirates’ lack of immediate trade chips and top prospects, coupled with their reluctance to invest large sums in free agency, the franchise faces the challenge of finding alternative ways to build a competitive roster. This situation has sparked discussions regarding potential trade offers that could lead to substantial prospects or ready-to-play players joining the Pirates’ ranks. If the Pirates were to consider trading Skenes, the following five teams could offer intriguing packages worth exploring.

1. Chicago Cubs
Proposed package: RHP Cade Horton, 3B Matt Shaw, OF Kevin Alcántara, SS Juan Tomas.
This deal would see the Pirates acquire Horton, the Cubs’ top pitching prospect, who could slot into the rotation immediately, providing additional years of control compared to Skenes. Shaw could be transitioned to second base, while Alcántara adds a much-needed offensive boost. Tomas rounds out this package with potential to develop into a long-term shortstop solution.

2. Los Angeles Dodgers
Proposed package: C Dalton Rushing, OF Andy Pages, LHP Jackson Ferris, RHP Landon Knack.
From the Dodgers, the Pirates could gain a potential starting catcher in Rushing and a left-field solution in Pages. Ferris and Knack offer the Pirates pitching prospects who could contribute to the rotation quickly.

3. Boston Red Sox
Proposed package: OF Roman Anthony, 2B/SS Franklin Arias, 1B/OF Justin Gonzales, RHP Luis Perales.
For the Pirates, landing Anthony, the top position-player prospect in MLB, could prove transformative. With the potential for immediate impact, Anthony, along with young talent like Arias and Gonzales, could reshape the team’s future, while Skenes would drastically improve the Red Sox’s rotation.

4. Detroit Tigers
Proposed package: OF Max Clark, SS Bryce Rainer, RHP Jaden Hamm, RHP Owen Hall.
Acquiring two former first-round picks like Clark and Rainer offers the Pirates promising long-term prospects. Both players boast All-Star potential, while Hamm and Hall provide additional pitching depth that could aid the team’s rebuilding process.

5. New York Mets
Proposed package: OF Carson Benge, 1B Ryan Clifford, SS/OF Jett Williams, RHP Brandon Sproat.
Although this might be the weakest offer, it still presents an opportunity for the Pirates. Benge and Williams add promising bats to their lineup, while Sproat could seamlessly step into the rotation.

While the Pirates have made it clear they intend to keep Skenes for now, no one can deny that trading him may provide the best pathway to reestablishing a competitive roster. It remains to be seen whether the right offer will come through, but the possibilities are enticing.

For fans, the thought of parting with a player of Skenes’ caliber might be agonizing. Yet, in the world of baseball trades, anything can happen. The Pirates may soon find themselves at a crossroads, weighing the potential long-term benefits of a major trade against the immediate satisfaction of keeping a franchise ace.

As the season progresses, the dynamics around Skenes will remain a topic of heated discussion among fans and analysts alike. The Pirates will need to navigate this crucial juncture carefully, balancing their current struggles with their long-term aspirations. Opportunities to reshape the franchise don’t come often, and whether or not to trade Skenes could ultimately define the future of the Pittsburgh Pirates for years to come.

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