Phillies-Pirates 4-player trade proposal would bring Paul Skenes to Philadelphia

The Philadelphia Phillies have taken the lead in the National League East and look like a World Series contender again this year. Could they get even better by trading for Paul Skenes?

Skenes is not likely up for trade, but ESPN's MLB insider Jeff Passan recently suggested that the Pirates should consider trading him if they do not see a path to signing him to an extension or building a contender around him. Even though the Pirates may not be considering trading him, Bleacher Report's Zachary D. Rymer proposed this package that could land Skenes:

• Phillies receive: Paul Skenes
• Pirates receive: Andrew Painter (MLB No. 5 prospect), Aidan Miller (MLB No.25 prospect) and Mick Abel (Phillies No. 8 prospect)

"The Phillies don't need starting pitching. Their staff was fourth in the majors in rWAR last year, and it's leading the pack in that department so far in 2025," wrote Rymer. "However, Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski loves his blockbuster trades, and he's in a spot where all options should be on the table to keep the club's contention window open. The Phillies are a good team, but the roster skews older, and the last two trips to the playoffs have been a letdown."

Two top 100 prospects and a top 10 prospect from the Phillies organization still may not be able to get Skenes out of Pittsburgh right now. He will not be a free agent until 2030 and was named an All-Star and National League Rookie of the Year last year.

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The reality is that the Pirates are not close to being contenders and have not given Skenes much reason to stay. Additionally, the Pirates likely will not be able to compete financially with the offers he will receive from bigger market teams in free agency. All of that sets him up to eventually leave, so there is an argument to be made that they should trade him while his value is the highest, with four-plus years of control.

More MLB: Red Sox-Pirates trade idea cuts ties with Roman Anthony, others to land Paul Skenes