The Los Angeles Dodgers have never shied away from making splashy moves in order to compete for a World Series. Could they entertain trading for Paul Skenes?
During an interview on “The Pat McAfee Show,” MLB Insider Jeff Passan suggested that the Pittsburgh Pirates trade Paul Skenes if they believe they cannot sign him to a long-term deal.
“If they believe they have absolutely no chance of signing him, then they should trade him,” said Passan. “And you can make an argument that they should trade him now.”
“What incentive does Paul Skenes have to extend with the Pirates? The Pirates have not shown willingness, from Bob Nutting all the way down, or the ability to bring in guys who are going to make this team better,” said Passan.
Skenes looks like a superstar in the league for years to come. However, the harsh reality is that a bigger market team has a chance to lure him out of Pittsburgh as soon as he hits free agency in 2030. As a result of Passan’s comments, Jim Riley proposed this blockbuster trade that would bring Skenes to Los Angeles:
- Dodgers receive: Paul Skenes
- Pirates receive: Daulton Rushing, Josue De Paula, Emil Morales and Andy Pages
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Rushing was just called up by the Dodgers, but he could be more expendable than people think. He is a Top 100 prospect, but his path to being the team’s catcher is blocked by Will Smith. De Paula is also a Top 100 prospect, and Morales is the No.6 prospect in the Dodgers’ organization. Meanwhile, Pages is a big league center fielder who is enjoying a breakout year at the plate. Getting three valuable prospects and Pages would be a great return of all position players for the Pirates.
Many fans already think the Dodgers are “ruining baseball.” Trading for Skenes would not help their case. He was just announced to be leading Team USA’s pitching staff in the World Baseball Classic. He has a 2.63 ERA this season with 53 strikeouts. He was the National League Rookie of the Year last season and had a 1.96 ERA in 23 starts.
The Pirates are 15-29, just fired their manager and look to be going nowhere fast. If things continue that way, Skenes will be itching to leave for a contender. The Pirates would be wise to get something for him in return.
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