Blockbuster Paul Skenes Trade Takes 'Depressing' New Turn

"The truth is, there will be teams that ask about Paul Skenes at the deadline this year, and I don't anticipate that he's going to be moved, but there's a real argument to be made that the best thing for the Pittsburgh Pirates would be to move Paul Skenes while he has the most value," Passan added.

Passan did say that the Pirates should first try to build around Skenes, particularly on the offensive side, while they still have Skenes in his prime. However, that involves spending, which owner Bob Nutting has controversially done very little of. 

According to Sportico, the Pirates made $287 million in revenue and spent $118 million on payroll, meaning only 41% of their revenue went towards building a better team. 

Passan called it a "depressing reality" that this is where the Pirates find themselves.

Skenes, who announced he would play for Team USA in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, has thrown a quality start in six of his nine starts this season and pitched to a 2.63 ERA. 

Pittsburgh has a laundry list of franchise legends, including Roberto Clemente, Willie Stargell, Ralph Kiner and Bill Mazeroski. This is a town that rallies around its baseball. And Skenes' No. 30 could very well perch on the facade of the upper deck at PNC Park when his career comes to an end.

But first, the Pirates have to win. And they have to win with Skenes in tow. And to keep Skenes past 2029, they have to build around him. If the Pirates fail to do that, they have bought into this 'depressing reality' that Passan speaks of, which would be terrible for baseball.