The New York Mets have World Series aspirations, and their starting rotation looks like one that could dominate in October. However, they would not hesitate to make it even better if the possibility of adding Paul Skenes was on the table.
The Pittsburgh Pirates are not even entertaining the idea of trading Skenes, according to MLB insider Jon Heyman. However, The Athletic’s Jim Bowden recently proposed this blockbuster Mets trade package that would make the Pirates consider changing their minds:
- Mets receive: Paul Skenes
- Pirates receive: Carson Benge (MLB No. 80 prospect, Mets No. 3 prospect), Ryan Clifford (Mets No. 5 prospect), Jett Williams (MLB No. 51 prospect, Mets No. 1 prospect) and Brandon Sproat (MLB No. 68 prospect, Mets No. 2 prospect)
“The Mets could offer arguably their four best prospects for Skenes,” wrote Bowden. “Sproat could effectively replace Skenes in the Pirates’ rotation immediately, while Benge, Clifford and Williams would give them a trio of bats who would improve their lineup in the long term. This is the weakest package of the five, but among this group of potential trade partners, the Mets are the team that needs Skenes the most. He’d pair with Kodai Senga to lead a rotation that surprisingly tops the majors in ERA (2.85) this season.”
Three top 100 prospects and the organization’s No. 5 prospect are a massive cost. However, Skenes is the type of player that would be worth it. He is under club control through 2029 and is already one of the best players in the league.
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Last season, he was an All-Star, finished third in the National League Cy Young Award race and was named National League Rookie of the Year. The Pirates are poised to be sellers, and, on paper, look like they will not be able to build themselves into a contender by the time Skenes hits free agency.
Skenes is not going to sign an extension with a team that cannot win or show the ability to build a winning team. Additionally, he will know the type of money he can get on the open market. The Pirates run the risk of him hurting his trade value with injuries or simply walking in free agency, so why not consider trading him while his value is at an all-time high?
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