Yankees' Suggested Trade Package for Paul Skenes Isn't Even Worth It

By now, you've heard all of the rumors connecting the New York Yankees to Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes.

The Yankees attempted to acquire Skenes at last year's trade deadline, but the Pirates refused to budge. There has also been speculation that the reigning NL Cy Young award winner eventually wants to play in the Bronx.

Of course, that's easier said than done. Skenes is under team control through 2029, and Pittsburgh is under no obligation to trade him ... especially to New York.

But if the Yankees did try and make a play for Skenes again, what would it take to acquire him?

One scout revealed what a potential package would look like to Randy Miller of NJ.com, and let's just say it isn't even worth it.

"But to get the best pitcher in the game, you’re going to have to really pay up," the scout said. "They would have to start with [Carlos] Lagrange or [Cam] Schlittler for sure and definitely include [George] Lombard. Those would be your headliners in a deal. You might have to give up Will Warren and either [Spencer] Jones or [Jasson] Dominguez, too."

Yeah, that is a king's ransom if I've ever seen one, and at that point, acquiring Skenes wouldn't even be advisable.

First of all, Schlittler himself could very well be on his way to becoming one of the best pitchers in baseball. Am I saying he's Skenes? Of course not, but he has ace potential, and he's already proven he can pitch in October, something we have not yet seen from Skenes.

Second, Skenes is a pitcher. I know. Thanks Captain Obvious. But do we actually trust the 23-year-old to stay healthy long term, especially when he is rearing back and throwing 100 mph? It's a scary thought.

I'm not even sure I would give up that much for a top position player; let alone a pitcher who technically only has one full season under his belt.

Skenes is a special talent for sure, but surrendering the farm for an arm is usually never the best idea in the world.

The Yankees would be better off staying the course with what they currently have, and if they really want another frontline hurler, they can pursue a much cheaper option than Skenes. Or they can wait a couple of years until Skenes' price drops.

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