The Pittsburgh Pirates are one of the most depressing teams in the league. Every season, the Pirates consistently fail to make the playoffs and disappoint their home fans. In 2024, Paul Skenes, a great ace from LSU, finally gave the Pirates some hope. Even then, however, Skenes can’t do it all by himself, which has led many to speculate about a possible trade.
Skenes Trade Rumors
Paul Skenes Didn’t Exactly Shoot Down Trade Rumors
Skenes didn’t take well to such rumors. Stating: “When I got drafted, I came in with the intention of winning a World Series here. That hasn’t changed. I don’t think my days here are numbered by any means.” However, Skenes didn’t go all out and say a trade isn’t possible by any means either. Skenes went on to say: “[But Cherington] is going to look out for what’s best for the Pirates. If he feels [trading me] is the right way to go, then he feels that’s the right way to go. But you know, I have to pitch well, that’s the bottom line.”
That being said, Skenes recognized simply that if trading him was the best way to go, then it was the best way to go. GM’s are likely going to do what’s best for the team, something that Skenes recognized. Despite not at all saying that he wanted to be traded, Skenes didn’t exactly say he didn’t want to be traded either. He just wants the front office to do what’s best for the team.
Why Trading Skenes Isn’t a Horrible Idea
One thing is for sure these days. A starting pitcher is a very expensive commodity on the market. From Trevor Rogers to other guys that aren’t even starters, such as Tanner Scott, a team has to give up a lot to acquire a mediocre pitcher. That being said, the Pirates must ask themselves if trading Skenes is a wise move. If the Pirates can get a massive return for the 22-year-old ace, then it just might be the way to go.
The Washington Nationals traded away 23-year-old Juan Soto, and the trade was a masterpiece for Washington. The Nationals now have an ace, two offensive stars, and a great prospect, all from that trade alone. So perhaps, if the Pirates can get that kind of return on Skenes, then such a trade, which remains highly unlikely, becomes more likely. The Pirates main issue at the moment is offense, not their pitching if you know what I mean (he might be expendable).
The Pirates Must Spend Some Money
One thing is for sure as well. The Pirates need to pay their players more. It isn’t really about that either, though. The Pirates haven’t tried to do anything in the free agency market, and that’s stupid. A simple, mediocre pitcher worth 10 million a year could be a great piece to trade at the deadline. Teams don’t just grow off of blockbuster trades. Teams could also pull off a Trevor Rogers deal and accomplish what they need.
The Pirates’ unwillingness to spend money is just not worth it. The question remains, how exactly do you expect to compete for the World Series if your payroll can be represented by one player alone. Such a thing cannot at all help the Pirates. Spending money is essential to doing anything in the MLB.
At the moment, a trade for Skenes seems unlikely. However, as time goes on, the Pirates aren’t getting better. Either build around Skenes, are build from him via a trade. For now, the Pirates can’t exactly rule out a trade, as anything could help the helpless Pirates.
Main Image: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
