The Boston Red Sox are four games back of the New York Yankees in the American League East. They could look to make a blockbuster trade to help pass their rival.
Recently, during an appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show,” MLB insider Jeff Passan suggested the Pittsburgh Pirates trade young superstar Paul Skenes.
“If they believe they have absolutely no chance of signing him, then they should trade him,” said Passan. “And you can make an argument that they should trade him now.”
“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.
If the Pirates entertain trading Skenes, there will be no shortage of teams willing to give up a haul to land him. Jim Riley proposed this trade that would bring Skenes to Boston:
- Red Sox receive: Paul Skenes
- Pirates receive: Marcelo Mayer (MLB No. 8 prospect), Franklin Arias (MLB No. 57 prospect), Luis Perales (Red Sox No. 4 prospect) and Brayan Bello
The Red Sox would be giving up a haul, but it may be worth it for Skenes. He is one of the best pitchers in baseball, already. He was an All-Star last season and was also named National League Rookie of the Year.
He has a 2.63 ERA this season with 53 strikeouts this season. Last year he had a 1.96 ERA in 23 starts. As much as the Pirates would like to keep him, they have not given him much reason to stay so far. When he hits free agency in 2030, the likelihood of him leaving for a big market contender is high.
Trading him now would give them young prospects to remain competitive for years to come. The Washington Nationals made a similar move with Juan Soto when he was years out from free agency. That trade is now paying dividends with James Wood, C.J. Abrams and MacKenzie Gore.
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