Paul Skenes Explodes Past Juan Soto Levels as Pirates Brace for Trade Deadline Frenzy

Paul Skenes has been nothing short of electric since stepping onto the major league mound. And ever since his breakout rookie season, trade rumors have swirled around the young ace. Now, with the Pirates dwindling at the bottom of the NL Central with a 28-42 record, those rumors have only intensified. While the Pirates have officially shut down all talks of trading away the young rookie, it’s far from a closed chapter.

The MLB trade deadline is fast approaching, and with it comes a string of speculation and rumors. If the rumors around Skenes are to be believed, interested suitors might make it better than the famous Juan Soto trade in 2022.

If you remember, the Nationals pulled off a significant return when they traded Juan Soto and their first baseman Josh Bell to the Padres in 2022, bringing in a jaw-dropping haul of prospects, including CJ Abrams, MacKenzie Gore, Robert Hassell, James Wood, Jarlin Susana, and veteran Luke Voit.

Now, a potential Skenes’ trade, if it materializes at all, is projected to get past the haul that Juan Soto generated for the Nationals in 2022!

“The return for Skenes in a trade would have to be even more than the haul the Nationals got for Juan Soto at the 2022 deadline,” Jim Bowden wrote for The Athletic. “However, he is the best pitcher in baseball, with four more years of team control, so it arguably would be worth paying that type of package.“

With an ERA of 1.88, 11 quality starts, and 92 strikeouts in 91 innings, Skenes has already forced his name into the elite tier of talent. If the Pirates consider moving him, the trade frenzy would be enormous. But can Skenes bring in a bigger return than Soto? It’s too early to conclude on that.

While the Pirates seem to be in no mood to opt for the trade, the offers continue to pour in. And, with the pressure of a deadline and the allure of high returns, questions continue getting raised. Will the Pirates hold their ground?

“The Pirates have no interest in trading Paul Skenes as this year’s deadline. However, multiple GMs have told me that won’t stop them from making serious offers to acquire him,” Bowden added.

So, despite the Pirates being firm to hold on to Skenes, an irresistible offer may change the equation. But will the trade be beneficial for the Pirates by any means?

The Pirates have enough reasons to trade Skenes

“They have to listen because you have so many needs to fill—on your big league team and also in your farm system,” Bowden wrote further in his column.

Let’s be honest here. The Pirates have long lacked balance. They still lack consistent offense, bullpen strength, and depth in the rotation. By trading Skenes, they could plug multiple roster holes and build a more complete team, rather than centering their future around one player.

Let’s not forget timing matters a lot in baseball, and the Pirates could be selling high. Currently, Skenes is in peak form with an ERA of 1.88, and hence, his value may never be higher than it is right now. Rather than waiting for any potential injury or regression, the Pirates can act now and get maximum value.

Considering the Pirates’ current form, it’s very unlikely that they will make it to the postseason this year. So, even Skenes, with the sort of talent he has, would probably be better off with a team with stronger October prospects than the Pirates. It might be a win-win for both parties.

But, will any such deal materialize? What do you think?

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