Yankees Were Willing to Trade Two Top Prospects for Paul Skenes

Photo: Stephen Brashear-Imagn Images

NEW YORK —  When the trade deadline passed this summer, few imagined how close the Yankees came to making one of the boldest moves in franchise history. According to MLB insider Jon Heyman, New York was willing to part with top prospects Spencer Jones and George Lombard Jr. in a package for Pittsburgh Pirates’ sensation Paul Skenes.

Skenes, the 2023 No. 1 overall pick, has lived up to every ounce of hype. His electric fastball and overpowering presence have already made him one of the most must-watch pitchers in baseball. The Yankees, desperate for pitching stability behind Gerrit Cole, were prepared to pay a premium.

Spencer Jones, a 6’6” outfielder often compared to Aaron Judge because of his frame and power potential, is considered New York’s crown jewel among position player prospects. Lombard Jr., a polished shortstop with speed and advanced plate discipline, was a first-rounder in 2023 and projects as a cornerstone infielder. Packaging both for one player underscores just how highly the Yankees value Skenes.

Despite New York’s willingness to deal, the Pirates ultimately weren’t ready to move their ace of the future. Skenes isn’t just Pittsburgh’s most valuable asset—he’s a symbol of their rebuild. Trading him would have meant hitting the reset button just as excitement was surging around the franchise.

For the Yankees, the failed pursuit highlights a growing sense of urgency. Their farm system has produced talent, but the front office clearly recognizes that the window to win is closing soon.

This raises two big questions:

1. Will the Yankees revisit blockbuster trades this offseason? If New York was willing to deal Jones and Lombard Jr., it signals an openness to moving even their best prospects to land frontline pitching.

2. What does this say about Skenes’ value? Few pitchers, let alone rookies, could command a package of two elite prospects from a win-now team. Skenes is already being treated like a generational arm.

While the deal never materialized, the Yankees’ pursuit of Skenes shows just how far they’re willing to go in their quest for another championship—and just how untouchable the Pirates believe their ace truly is.