Let’s start with the obvious: the Pittsburgh Pirates are not trading Paul Skenes right now. He’s the face of their franchise, a generational talent, and one of the most dominant rookie pitchers in decades. Skenes represents both the present and future of baseball in Pittsburgh, and the organization would need an offer so overwhelming that it borders on the impossible.
But for the sake of discussion, let’s dive into some hypothetical “fair” trade packages—the type of blockbuster deals that would at least make the Pirates pause if they ever entertained the idea. These are not predictions, but rather fun thought experiments in what Skenes’ market value might look like.
1. Los Angeles Dodgers
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To Pirates: Bobby Miller, Gavin Stone, Dalton Rushing (C), Andy Pages (OF), plus additional prospects (Josue De Paula and Zyhir Hope)
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To Dodgers: Paul Skenes.
The Dodgers have the farm system and financial resources to swing a mega-deal, but it would cost them nearly all of their premium young arms and one of their most promising bats. Even then, it’s debatable if Pittsburgh would say yes.
2. New York Yankees
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To Pirates: Jasson Domínguez (OF), Spencer Jones (OF), George Lombard, Jr. (SS/2B), Roderick Arias (SS), Will Warren (RHP).
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To Yankees: Paul Skenes.
The Yankees crave a true ace, and Skenes would be their next dominant pitcher. Pittsburgh would demand both of New York’s elite young outfielders plus multiple high-ceiling prospects. That’s the only way a deal even enters the conversation.
3. Baltimore Orioles
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To Pirates: Jackson Holliday (SS), Colton Cowser (OF), Cade Povich (LHP), Samuel Basallo (C), Dylan Beavers (OF), .
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To Orioles: Paul Skenes.
Baltimore has arguably the deepest farm system in baseball. If the Pirates ever traded Skenes, this is the kind of young, MLB-ready haul they’d want. Holliday is the crown jewel, and losing him would sting for the Orioles.
4. Texas Rangers
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To Pirates: Evan Carter (OF), Jack Leiter (RHP), Sebastian Walcott (SS), Brock Porter (RHP).
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To Rangers: Paul Skenes.
The Rangers could use another frontline ace, but it would cost them nearly their entire future core. Carter is a future All-Star, and Leiter still has upside.
5. Chicago Cubs
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To Pirates: Pete Crow-Armstrong (OF), Cade Horton (RHP), Owen Caissie (OF), Kevin Alcántara (OF).
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To Cubs: Paul Skenes.
The Cubs are loaded with outfield talent and pitching depth in the minors. This deal would gut a large portion of their farm, but acquiring Skenes would instantly give them one of the best rotations in baseball.
Bottom Line
It would take a king’s ransom—multiple top-25 prospects, a blue-chip MLB-ready star, and secondary pieces—for the Pirates to even consider moving Skenes. Deals like this don’t really happen anymore, and Pittsburgh has no reason to shop its franchise cornerstone.
Still, imagining what it would take shows just how valuable Paul Skenes truly is. He’s not just an ace—he’s untouchable.
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