Yankees Writer Lays Out 'Enticing' Trade Package to Acquire Paul Skenes

Contributing Sports Writer

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Paul Skenes of the Pittsburgh Pirates has already established himself as on of the best pitchers in baseball. He was an All-Star and National League Rookie of the Year last year. However, the Pirates are far from being contenders and may lose Skenes to a big market team as it is when he hits free agency in 2030.

Even though Skenes is nowhere near free agency, MLB insider Jeff Passan suggested the Pirates should trade him now if they have no path to contending with him or signing him.

"If they believe they have absolutely no chance of signing him, then they should trade him," said Passan on "The Pat McAfee Show." "And you can make an argument that they should trade him now."

Pittsburgh Pirates, pitcher, Paul Skenes — MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - JULY 11: Paul Skenes #30 of the Pittsburgh Pirates walks in from bullpen before start of game against the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field on July 11, 2024 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. John Fisher/Getty Images

"What incentive does Paul Skenes have to extend with the Pirates? The Pirates have not shown willingness, from Bob Nutting all the way down, or the ability to bring in guys who are going to make this team better," Passan continued.

Acquiring Skenes would not be cheap or easy. However, Heavy's Sam Bernardi proposed this package to get Skenes in the Bronx:

Yankees receive: Paul Skenes
Pirates receive: Luis Gil, Spencer Jones and Ben Hess

Gil was the American League Rookie of the Year and would give the Pirates a young ace in return for Skenes. Jones and Hess are the Yankees' Nos. 2 and 3 prospects, respectively, according to MLB Pipeline. However, Bernardi noted even that package may not be enough.

"Perhaps Pittsburgh would require even more prospects, such as No. 12 OF Everson Pereira or No. 8 LHP Brock Selvidge, or an MLB-ready player like OF Jasson Dominguez," wrote Bernardi. "It would be a heavy price to pay, but Skenes is worth it and more. As absurd and premature as a Skenes trade seems, the Yankees have enough quality prospects and young players to build an enticing package."

A trade of Skenes from the Pirates to the Yankees would be approaching Luka Dončić going to the Los Angeles Lakers levels of absurd. However, there is an argument to be made that the Pirates should move him instead of wasting his value on a non-contender.

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