Paul Skenes, a young pitcher who made his MLB debut within the past year, has found himself at the center of trade speculation, highlighting the challenges faced by the Pittsburgh Pirates. Currently, the Pirates hold a disappointing record of 16-33, positioning them last in the National League Central. Despite Skenes' impressive performance on the mound, the prospect of the team making the playoffs appears bleak, with their last postseason appearance dating back to 2016.

As the Pirates navigate their struggles, the notion of retaining Skenes through a contract extension seems unlikely. The franchise is known for its financial prudence, and prominent baseball analysts, including ESPN's Jeff Passan, have indicated that Skenes might be a candidate for a lucrative contract, potentially reaching $400 million. Passan noted during an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show that there are already teams considering inquiries about Skenes ahead of the trade deadline. While a trade may not be imminent, there is merit in discussing whether moving Skenes could ultimately be the best option for the Pirates, particularly if it could yield a significant return in talent.

When evaluating Skenes' trade value, it becomes clear that it is substantial. With a remarkable 2.12 ERA, he has recorded the lowest figure for a pitcher through their first 33 starts in MLB history since the official ERA statistic was introduced in 1912. As he approaches his 23rd birthday, Skenes is arbitration-eligible only in 2027 and won't reach free agency until after 2029. The current state of starting pitching in Major League Baseball, characterized by a scarcity of elite talent, has further elevated Skenes' status as a coveted asset. Baseball Trade Values estimates Skenes' surplus value at $94.8 million, nearly double the value associated with pitcher Garrett Crochet when he was traded by the Chicago White Sox for multiple high-ranking prospects. Consequently, if the Pirates decide to entertain trade offers for Skenes, they will likely seek an extraordinary package in return.