Pirates given slim odds to land AL Cy Young winner to pair with Paul Skenes

May 6, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes reacts in the first inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Compared to the previous decade, this version of the Pittsburgh Pirates feels like a breath of fresh air. 

Even though they sit in last place in the NL Central, they are two games above .500 and in the postseason hunt. 

The Pirates improved the lineup during the offseason and have a superb starting rotation, headlined by ace Paul Skenes. But what if Pittsburgh could trade for another Cy Young Winner? 

The chances are slim, writes The Athletic's Jim Bowden. 

"The Pirates have a strong rotation led by Paul Skenes, Mitch Keller, Braxton Ashcraft, Bubba Chandler, and will soon get Jared Jones back off the injured list," Bowden wrote. "They are not going [Tarik] Skubal shopping." 

Skubal might be made available in the coming weeks. The Detroit Tigers are quickly falling out of the playoff race. If they cannot turn their season around, it wouldn't be a surprise to see the front office sell at the deadline. 

MORE: Bryce Harper confuses everyone with viral teeth brushing video

But making a trade for Skubal includes risk for the Pirates. They'd understand that he's just a rental, so trading away highly rated prospects for three months of the lefty is a gamble. 

It could be a gamble the Pirates decide to take, but given their recent history, there's little chance the Pirates offer Skubal the contract he desires in free agency. 

More MLB news:

• Bo Bichette reveals his plans for his opt-out clause
• Bumpus Jones is trending for an 1892 accomplishment
• The last time a team was this bad at walking, it took 9 balls to earn a walk
• Chase Burns makes Reds history that hasn't been done in 104 years
• Guardians pitcher trying to complete incredible comeback