Mets Pursue Elite Ace Skenes as Pirates Weigh Rebuilding Decisions
Paul Skenes has quickly established himself as one of the premier pitchers in Major League Baseball, emerging as a leading candidate for the National League Cy Young Award. Yet, despite his remarkable performances, the Pittsburgh Pirates find themselves languishing at the bottom of the NL Central, a staggering 24.5 games behind the Milwaukee Brewers, who boast the best record in baseball. With a 64-81 record, the Pirates are also 12 games adrift of a wild card spot, poised to miss the playoffs for the tenth consecutive year.
Skenes’ Future in Pittsburgh
Skenes remains under club control through the 2029 season, a factor that adds complexity to the Pirates’ rebuilding strategy. Should their trajectory fail to improve, the organization may consider trading their young ace for a package of promising prospects. This potential move has caught the attention of the New York Mets, who are eager to bolster their pitching rotation.
Mets’ Bold Proposal for Skenes
Athlon Sports’ Jake Elman recently outlined a bold trade proposal that could send Skenes to Queens. The hypothetical deal would come at a steep price for the Mets, featuring second baseman Luisangel Acuña along with three of their top ten prospects, as ranked by MLB Pipeline: shortstop Jett Williams (No. 2 overall and No. 29 in MLB), right-handed pitcher Brandon Sproat (No. 5), and first baseman Ryan Clifford (No. 8).
Elman noted that a trade of Skenes would signify the Pirates conceding their chances of competing for at least the next two seasons. While the value of three top-10 prospects may seem inadequate for a talent like Skenes, it could be a package that the Pirates might rationalize as a step forward in their long-term strategy.
Pirates’ Reluctance to Part with Skenes
While Mets fans may find the trade proposal enticing, skepticism remains about the Pirates’ willingness to accept it. Pittsburgh’s front office has shown a stubbornness in its approach, previously reluctant to part with key players. The organization may prefer to acquire a proven contributor with several years of control remaining, a category in which the Mets currently have limited options.
Elman remarked on the Mets’ aggressive acquisition history under owner Steve Cohen, suggesting that it would not be surprising to see Skenes in a Mets uniform at some future point. However, it’s uncertain whether that will happen as soon as next spring.
Skenes’ Impressive Early Career
Given Skenes’ exceptional start to his professional career, even a substantial trade offer might not be sufficient to lure him away from Pittsburgh. The two-time All-Star and former No. 1 overall MLB Draft pick has compiled an impressive 21-12 record, with a 1.97 ERA and a 0.94 WHIP over 306 innings pitched across 52 career starts. His performance includes 195 strikeouts against just 39 walks, showcasing the elite talent that the Mets would hope to bring into their rotation.
As the season progresses, the dynamics of this potential trade will be closely monitored, with both fanbases eager to see how the situation unfolds.
