MLB Insider Believes Pirates Could Trade Paul Skenes Now 'At Highest Value'

Pirates fans will be the first to tell you they're on limited time when it comes to watching Paul Skenes every five days. It's been known since the team took him No. 1 overall in the 2023 MLB Draft.

Given the team's struggles this season, many fans are wondering when the Band-Aid will be ripped off and Paul Skenes wears another jersey. MLB insider Jeff Passan appeared on the Pat McAfee Show Wednesday and didn't hold back when discussing the Pirates.

Passan argues the Pirates could trade Skenes now.

"What incentive does Paul Skenes have to extend with the Pirates right now when the Pirates haven't shown a willingness from Bob Nutting all the way down or the ability to bring in guys who are going to make this team better?" said Passan. "The Pirates haven't shown they are worthy of a Paul Skenes extension."

The 2024 National League Rookie of the Year has recorded a 2.63 ERA through nine starts with 53 strikeouts and 15 walks this season. His strikeout numbers are down from a season ago, but his dominance remains every time he takes the mound.

"The Pirates, including 2025, have five years of club control before (Skenes) reaches free agency," said Passan. "If they believe that they have absolutely no chance of signing him, they should trade him. And you could make the argument that they should trade him now. ... There are teams that are already going to ask about Paul Skenes at the trade deadline this year."

If the Pirates want any chance of keeping Skenes around beyond the 2029 season, their best interest is to bolster the roster drastically before next season begins. It needs a complete overhaul, but it must be done.

More MLB: Red Sox Legend David Ortiz Tells Rafael Devers to 'Pack Away' Ego