The Boston Red Sox are currently four games behind the New York Yankees in the AL East and could explore a major trade to surpass their division rival. On a recent episode of The Pat McAfee Show, MLB insider Jeff Passan floated the idea that the Pittsburgh Pirates should consider trading rising star Paul Skenes.
“If they don’t think they have any shot at signing him long-term, they should move him,” Passan said. “In fact, there’s an argument for trading him right now.” He questioned Skenes’ motivation to stay in Pittsburgh, citing ownership’s lack of commitment to building a competitive roster.
If the Pirates do explore dealing Skenes, plenty of teams would line up with significant trade offers. One such proposal from Jim Riley would send Skenes to Boston in exchange for:
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)
- Brayan Bello
While the Red Sox would be parting with a considerable package, the return could be justified. Skenes, already among the game’s elite pitchers, was an All-Star last season and earned NL Rookie of the Year honors. This year, he owns a 2.63 ERA and has struck out 53 batters. He finished last season with a stellar 1.96 ERA across 23 starts.
Although the Pirates would prefer to keep him, they’ve given Skenes little reason to commit long-term. With free agency looming in 2030, there’s a strong chance he could leave for a larger-market contender. Trading him now could net the Pirates top-tier talent and help them remain competitive in the future — much like how the Nationals’ deal sending Juan Soto to San Diego has paid off with the emergence of James Wood, C.J. Abrams, and MacKenzie Gore.
