Paul Skenes Reportedly to Be Subject of MLB Trade Offers Despite Pirates' Stance

Pittsburgh Pirates ace pitcher Paul Skenes reportedly will generate trade offers before this season's deadline whether the team likes it or not.

The Athletic's Jim Bowden reported that "the Pirates have no interest in trading Paul Skenes as this year’s deadline. However, multiple GMs have told me that won’t stop them from making serious offers to acquire him."

Skenes has been one of the best pitchers in MLB, but his 4-6 record doesn't reflect that amid yet another disappointing season for the Pirates, who have the third-worst record in the National League at 28-41. The 23-year-old ranks fifth in the majors with a 1.88 ERA and is tied for first with 11 quality starts. He's racked up 92 strikeouts in 91.0 innings of work against just 20 walks and 56 hits allowed.

While it would be a massive surprise for the Pirates to consider trading Skenes, Bowden pointed out that they "have to listen because you have so many needs to fill—on your big league team and also in your farm system." Pittsburgh undoubtedly would be seeking a massive return in exchange for the reigning NL Rookie of the Year, but he could be worth the price.

"The return for Skenes in a trade would have to be even more than the haul the [Washington] Nationals got for Juan Soto at the 2022 deadline," Bowden stated. "However, he is the best pitcher in baseball, with four more years of team control, so it arguably would be worth paying that type of package."

The Pirates will begin a four-game series on Thursday against the Chicago Cubs. Skenes will start Friday's game, providing interested teams with another chance to evaluate his value in a trade this year.