Cubs given 'inside track' for Pirates superstar Paul Skenes in potential blockbuster

The Chicago Cubs could certainly use another starting pitcher. Is it too bold to dream of landing one of the game's top aces?

Perhaps, especially because that ace would come from their division rivals. But until told otherwise, the Cubs should do what they can to get involved in a potential blockbuster deal for the Pittsburgh Pirates' Paul Skenes.

The idea that the Pirates should trade Skenes has grown from a pipe dream to a mild possibility over the last few weeks. Pittsburgh is 15-33 and has seemingly no other pieces to build around. Would it really make sense for them to hang onto him for the next four-and-a-half years if they're not going to spend on a core around him?

Meanwhile, one baseball writer believes the Cubs would have a decent shot to land Skenes based on their deep farm system.

On Tuesday, Jacob Mountz of FanSided named the Cubs among three teams who he believed had the "inside track" to trade for Skenes, along with the Los Angeles Dodgers and Pittsburgh Pirates.

"Boasting a first-place standing, one surefire year of Kyle Tucker and genuine World Series aspirations, the Cubs have no time to waste. Adding a star like Skenes would go a long way to ensuring the Cubs’ World Series dreams become a reality," Mountz wrote.

Follow The Sporting News On WhatsApp

"The Cubs own a deep farm system with a total of six top 100 prospects. Matt Shaw and Cade Horton are likely off limits since both are needed in Chicago, but among other interesting pieces are Cubs’ No. 3 and 4 prospects Owen Caissie and Moisés Ballesteros."

It's hard to fathom the Cubs getting a deal done for Skenes without one of their top two prospects, so taking Shaw and Horton off the table might eliminate them even if the Pirates are somehow willing to do the deal within the division.

Most signs would point toward the Cubs not being able to get a deal done. But if they're desperate enough for an ace, anything could theoretically be possible.

More MLB: Phillies could acquire 456-save All-Star after José Alvarado news, per insider