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Dodgers Trade Idea Lands Paul Skenes

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Sam Bernardi | Last updated May 22, 2025 5:30 PM ET

How do the Los Angeles Dodgers combat their pitching injuries?

Heading into 2025, the Dodgers were hailed for their incredible top-end talent and otherworldly starting pitching depth. But injuries to key arms such as Tyler Glasnow, Blake Snell, Roki Sasaki, Blake Treinen, and a prolonged debut for Clayton Kershaw could force the front office’s hand.

One name that has circulated trade talks is Pittsburgh Pirates’ all-world right-hander, Paul Skenes. MLB Insider Jon Heyman recently shot down these trade rumors and explained why the Pirates are not going to deal their face of the franchise.

But, and be patient, let’s imagine a scenario where the Dodgers propose such a tantalizing package that Pittsburgh has no choice but to part with its Cy Young candidate Skenes.

Remember, this is a team that has seen the likes of Gerrit Cole, Glasnow, and Clay Holmes, to name a few, depart in recent memory.

Here is a trade idea that would make even a Skenes breakup tempting for the Pirates:

Dodgers receive: RHP Paul Skenes

Pirates receive: RHP Dustin May, C/OF Dalton Rushing (No. 1), OF Josue De Paula (No. 2), LHP Jackson Ferris (No. 5), LHP Justin Wrobleski (No. 10)

Don’t get too excited, Los Angeles fans, this is merely a fantasy scenario. But, four top-10 prospects from a perpetually reliable farm system as well as a young, proven MLB arm in May might be the best offer Pittsburgh fields for Skenes.

The Pirates have exceeded 80 wins once (82 in 2018) since their last postseason appearance in 2015. They have also not advanced past the Divisional Series since 1992.

Adding Skenes to this already stacked Dodgers roster would very likely break baseball and create a fan and league-wide riot. Still, it’s fun to imagine.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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