Could the Pirates Trade Their Star?

Rumors are escalating in Pittsburgh, making them difficult to overlook. Following a disappointing start to the season and the dismissal of manager Derek Shelton, the Pirates find themselves at a pivotal moment. A significant question has emerged in the baseball community: could the team genuinely contemplate trading their young ace, Paul Skenes?

Before anyone starts to worry, it's important to clarify that there is no official plan to move him. However, one respected baseball insider, Jeff Passan, recently stirred the discussion. Passan indicated that while a trade is unlikely, there are compelling reasons for the Pirates to consider it. Why is that? The team has already drifted out of playoff contention, their offense struggles to produce runs, and their owner, Bob Nutting, has not demonstrated a willingness to invest substantial funds to retain top-tier players. Passan emphasized that other teams will undoubtedly inquire about Skenes as the trade deadline approaches.

Meet Paul Skenes: Baseball’s Brightest Young Star

For those who may be new to baseball, here’s what is essential to understand: Paul Skenes has already established himself as a star. Last season, he made a striking debut and has continued to develop at an impressive rate. He not only started the All-Star Game but also received the National League Rookie of the Year award and finished third in the voting for the prestigious Cy Young Award, which honors the league’s best pitcher. Such achievements are not just commendable; they are exceptional. And he shows no signs of slowing down.

Why Would the Pirates Trade a Superstar?

At first glance, it seems implausible to trade a player of Skenes’ caliber. However, when teams find themselves distant from contention for a championship, the inclination to rebuild often emerges. This process involves trading current stars to acquire younger players and prospects, with the hope of building a stronger team for the future rather than focusing on immediate success.

Paul Skenes is under team control until 2030, which means the Pirates aren’t at risk of losing him in the near term. Nonetheless, the critical question is whether they will be prepared to cover the substantial salary that will be required to retain him once he becomes a free agent. If the answer leans toward no, then some analysts, including Passan, argue that the team should consider trading him now while his market value is exceptionally high. There are even speculations about whether Skenes might prefer to pitch in a larger market in the future, where he could potentially secure more championships and a lucrative contract.

What Are the Pirates Saying?

However, not everyone is convinced by the trade rumors. Jon Heyman of the New York Post consulted with a Pirates executive who firmly dismissed the notion, stating, “No way, no chance, no how.” So for the present, Skenes remains with the Pirates.

Nevertheless, it ignites the imagination to envision Skenes pitching in a World Series for a team like the Dodgers or Yankees. While such scenarios may seem distant, in the realm of baseball, possibilities are boundless.