The Pittsburgh Pirates have spent the past year trying to change things from a rebuild to competing at the highest level, but some still don’t believe in them. One insider believes their long-term direction could still hinge on a franchise-altering decision, and it’s getting tiring of hearing about it.
In a recent column for The Athletic, former MLB executive Jim Bowden looked at Pittsburgh’s roster while also bringing up a question we’ve all heard too many times.
If the Pirates struggle again, could ace Paul Skenes become a trade candidate?
“The Pirates finally did it. They were aggressive with their efforts to improve their offense, highlighted by the trades for second baseman Brandon Lowe and outfielder Jhostynxon Garcia and the signing of first baseman/outfielder/DH Ryan O’Hearn,” he wrote. “They have one of the best young starting rotations in MLB and now – finally – have a chance to score some runs for them. They also have the best prospect in baseball – shortstop Konnor Griffin – waiting in the wings.
“Griffin is only 19 but he could make the Opening Day roster or debut before All-Star break. He could be the key as to whether the Pirates are pretenders or contenders. If the Pirates are not in the postseason race at the trade deadline, will they reconsider their stance on trading Paul Skenes (who will have three and a half years of control remaining)?”
Skenes, viewed as the face of Pittsburgh’s long-term future, has best pitcher in baseball stuff and multiple years of team control, which is the type of player small-market teams build around, not trade. No matter how many people say it, there’s not one reason to trade Skenes until the time comes, if it happens.
There’s realistically not one package available that would make any sense to move him for.
The Pirates’ offseason additions with Brandon Lowe, Ryan O'Hearn, and now Marcell Ozuna, were made to give Skenes and the rest of this pitching staff some run support. If the offense is as good as it can be this season, there’s no reason to think Skenes will be available anytime in the near future.