Yankees Gaining Steam, But Rotation Remains a Concern
The New York Yankees are building momentum in their pursuit of a second consecutive American League pennant, having won six of their last eight games and stretching their lead over the Toronto Blue Jays to 3.5 games in the AL East. However, ongoing injuries have left their starting rotation as a potential weak point.
While the rotation hasn’t been disastrous—boasting a 3.73 ERA, sixth-best in the AL—most of that success can be attributed to Max Fried. The veteran left-hander has more than lived up to his eight-year, $218 million deal.
Fried leads the AL with six wins through nine starts and holds a major league-best 1.11 ERA. Meanwhile, Carlos Rodon has contributed with a solid 3.29 ERA, but no other Yankees starter has posted an ERA under 4.61.
Trade Talk Heats Up Around Paul Skenes
One trade rumor, however, could potentially elevate the Yankees’ rotation from solid to exceptional. Speculation is building around a possible deal for Pittsburgh Pirates ace Paul Skenes, especially after ESPN’s Jeff Passan weighed in on the topic.
Appearing on The Pat McAfee Show Wednesday, Passan acknowledged arguments both for and against trading the 22-year-old star. He initially suggested Skenes could benefit from pitching elsewhere, but ultimately said Pittsburgh should consider keeping him, especially if they make moves to build a competitive roster.
Still, Passan admitted, “There’s a real argument to be made that the best thing for the Pittsburgh Pirates would be to move Paul Skenes when he has his most value … It’s a depressing reality. I get it.”
As with many elite players, New York looms as a likely destination. Esteban Quiñones of Pinstripes Nation reported Thursday that the Yankees are likely eyeing Skenes as their next big pitching acquisition.
“The New York Yankees’ perpetual hunt for elite pitching has found a new fixation: Paul Skenes,” Quiñones wrote. “As Pittsburgh’s organization spirals into another rebuilding cycle, whispers about the future of their generational talent grow louder, with Yankees supporters leading the speculation chorus.”
Adding to the trade buzz is Skenes’ own frustration with the Pirates’ struggles.
“We’d better grow,” he said, following the firing of manager Derek Shelton. “If we don’t grow, it’s a completely lost season.”
What Would It Cost to Land Skenes?
A deal involving Skenes—though unlikely—would come with a massive price tag. As the top pick in the 2023 draft, 2024 NL Rookie of the Year, and All-Star Game starter, he carries immense value. His 1.93 ERA would have led the majors had he thrown 29 more innings.
To acquire such a rare talent, the Yankees would almost certainly need to part with two of their top three prospects: infielder George Lombard Jr., slugging outfielder Spencer Jones, and right-handed pitcher Ben Hess are the most likely candidates.
The Pirates would also likely ask for some major league-ready talent, though their low payroll (27th in MLB) suggests they won’t absorb large contracts.
Financially, Skenes would be a bargain for now. He’s under team control through 2028 and won’t be eligible for arbitration until 2027.
But when he does reach free agency, Passan warns, the bidding war could be historic.
“It would be no surprise to see Skenes — the best pitching prospect in a generation — parlay his productivity, age and marketability into becoming baseball’s first half-billion-dollar pitcher,”
