You know the trade rumor mill goes overdrive when it involves a generational talent like Paul Skenes. So, ever since ESPN insider Jeff Passan floated the possibility that the Pirates could consider moving their prized right-hander, conversations have ignited. Fan forums, talk shows, and social media are buzzing about whether the Pirates are letting Skenes go.
And now, a prominent MLB insider is stepping in to set the record straight, revealing the truth behind the growing drama.
“I mean, the headline is Jeff Passen saying Paul Skenes could be traded, but I think if you listen to what he’s saying, he’s saying that’s probably not going to happen, but teams will ask about Paul Skenes,” Trevor Plouffe shared his view on a podcast with JM Baseball.
Well, true that Passan never said, the Pirates will trade Paul Skenes. What he did suggest was that, given Skenes’ dominant form, there will undoubtedly be teams asking about his availability. But a trade is highly unlikely and not something the Pirates are expected to pursue. So, Passan was just acknowledging the reality of the trade market.
Yes, an elite talent like Skenes always draws interest, but that doesn’t advocate for a deal.
So, does that mean the trade rumors with Skenes are off now? No. Because the Pirates have a history of trading their big names.
Remember Gerrit Cole got traded in 2018! Cole was a homegrown ace who was traded to the Astros, signaling a rebuilding phase. This move brought back prospects but also marked a step back from immediate contention. So, the same might happen with Skenes, too.
But if so, it might be a blunder for the team. As Plouffe added, “If the Pirates trade Paul Skenes… It’s the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard.” Hopefully, the team will not repeat its history.
Currently, the Pirates are standing last in the NL Central with a 15-30 record. So, it’s too early to comment on their playoff chance, but keeping Skenes surely adds a few brownie points.
A good amount might make a case for Skenes’ trading
While the likelihood of the Pirates trading Skenes seems dim, MLB doesn’t have a dearth of cash-rich teams. So, names like the Dodgers could make a deal.
Undoubtedly, Skenes looks like a bona fide superstar who could dominate the league for years. MLB insider Jim Riley proposed a blockbuster deal involving the financial behemoth Dodgers!
“The Dodgers could use the prospect capital that they have built up, cash it in for Paul Skenes to take their rotation to an obscene level.” While the Dodgers are already accused of flexing their financial muscle, adding Skenes to their roster would only fuel that narrative.
Fresh off being named the leader of Team USA’s pitching staff for the World Baseball Classic, Skenes is having an impressive season with a 2.63 ERA and 53 strikeouts. So, you can anticipate how the Dodgers have become the logical destination for the top rookies.
Take Roki Sasaki as an example here.
Meanwhile, the Pirates just fired their manager and are showing little sign of improvement. So, if the losing streak continues, Skenes is bound to grow restless and look for a way out to a contending team. How likely do you think that is?
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