There has been rampant speculation that the spiraling Pirates might be better off trading the best young pitcher in MLB for a haul of prospects to boost their offense.

Trade speculation has surrounded Paul Skenes for weeks now, even though the 2024 National League Rookie of the Year has barely settled into his first full season. With the Pittsburgh Pirates struggling again — sitting near the bottom of the standings — some analysts and fans have floated the idea of dealing Skenes for a massive haul of prospects.

Skenes, the first overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft, will take the mound for Team USA in the 2026 World Baseball Classic.