The Pittsburgh Pirates fired Derek Shelton earlier this month and are poised to become sellers at the deadline. However, they also seem to be far from being even a postseason contender.
Recently, during an appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show,” MLB insider Jeff Passan suggested it would be best for the Pittsburgh Pirates to trade superstar pitcher 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.
Skenes’ last start showed that he needs to play elsewhere if he wants to win. He threw his first complete game, giving up one run. That one run was enough for the Philadelphia Phillies as the Pirates were shut out. It is becoming more and more clear that Skenes will have many enticing offers in free agency in 2030. The Pirates are not going to outbid bigger market teams, and are not giving him any reason to take a discount. FanSided’s Jacob Mountz noted the Cubs could have an “inside track” in a potential trade war for Skenes.
“The Cubs own a deep farm system with a total of six top-100 prospects,” wrote Mountz. “Matt Shaw and Cade Horton are likely off limits since both are needed in Chicago, but among other interesting pieces are Cubs’ No. 3 and 4 prospects Owen Caissie and Moisés Ballesteros.”
Trading for Skenes would likely deplete the Cubs’ farm system, but it may be worth it. Skenes was the National League Rookie of the Year last year and looks like an All-Star again this year. If the start of his career is any indication, he is going to be an ace for years to come. Trading for him now, before he starts making top-tier money, would help any contender.
More MLB: Dodgers Given ‘Inside Track’ to Add Paul Skenes After Shocking Pirates Move
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