This week, an MLB executive revealed the significant cost the Boston Red Sox would face to acquire Pittsburgh Pirates’ star pitcher Paul Skenes. Despite Skenes being one of baseball’s top talents, the Pirates are struggling once again and appear unlikely to make the playoffs this year, increasing speculation about trading their young ace.
Why the Pirates Might Consider Trading Their Ace
The Pirates are currently on track to miss the playoffs for the tenth consecutive season. With ownership making few moves to strengthen the roster during the offseason, there is growing belief that the team resembles the Athletics of the East by potentially squandering Skenes’ prime years without contending. This situation has sparked widespread debate about whether Pittsburgh should explore trading him to capitalize on his value.
What the Red Sox Would Need to Give Up
If the 22-year-old Skenes were suddenly available, it would ignite one of the most intense trade negotiations in MLB history, with many wealthy franchises, including Boston, vying for his services. According to MLB Network insider Mark Feinsand, a league executive laid out the steep price the Red Sox would pay to secure the elite pitcher. The executive explained,
“The reality is that few teams have that many good players to trade,”
“I guess the Red Sox could send [Triston] Casas, [Roman] Anthony, [Marcelo] Mayer, [Kristian] Campbell, and [Tanner] Houck, assuming they won’t trade their extended guys. Writing that down makes me think, ‘Hmmm, maybe Pittsburgh should make a call.’”
Many of these players represent Boston’s top prospects recently, meaning this trade would severely deplete their farm system. However, landing a player of Skenes’ caliber, who is still young and under team control for two more seasons, would likely require such a high price.
Boston’s Outlook With Paul Skenes
The Red Sox have the financial resources to invest in additional talent in the coming years. Their current roster depth means that adding Skenes, either immediately or in the near future, could drastically improve their chances of competing for a leading playoff position. This potential move reflects Boston’s commitment to strengthening their pitching staff and pursuing postseason success.