Despite being just a year removed from his Major League Baseball debut, Paul Skenes is already a notable name in trade discussions, underscoring the challenging situation for the Pittsburgh Pirates. Currently sitting at 16-33, the Pirates find themselves at the bottom of the National League Central standings, with a playoff appearance seeming increasingly unlikely. Skenes has performed exceptionally well, boasting a 2.12 ERA through his first 33 starts, making history as the lowest ERA for any pitcher in that span since the statistic became officially recorded in 1912. However, the franchise faces substantial obstacles, having not made postseason appearances since 2016 and only three times since 1992.

The idea of extending Skenes’ contract appears improbable given the team's financial strategies, particularly with reports suggesting he could command a contract upwards of $400 million. ESPN's Jeff Passan noted on The Pat McAfee Show that several teams are likely to inquire about Skenes before the trade deadline, hinting at the possibility of a trade despite the Pirates' current reluctance. Passan emphasized that the most prudent decision for the Pirates might be to trade Skenes while his value is at its peak, suggesting that they could obtain a substantial return if they consider such a move.

Assessing the potential trade value of Skenes reveals immense worth, with estimates placing his surplus value near $94.8 million. Comparatively, this figure surpasses the return the Chicago White Sox received for Garrett Crochet, who was traded for four top prospects. If the Pirates decide to trade Skenes, they will likely seek an offer that significantly benefits their roster, taking into consideration the need to convert one elite player into multiple young assets. As a small-market team, the Pirates’ approach emphasizes acquiring affordable, young talent to build a competitive future.