Paul Skenes’ trade started as a ripple, but has now evolved into a wave that’s disrupting roster strategies across MLB. The Pirates’ rumored openness to entertain offers for their ace-in-the-making has sent shockwaves through front offices from coast to coast. It is such that not just the Pirates, but other organizations are forced to rethink their immediate futures.

Nowhere is this more evident than in Boston, where the Red Sox find themselves caught between long-term development plans and the potential opportunity to land a generational arm. The possibility of Skenes hitting the trade block has cast doubt on the team’s timing for promoting its top prospects, raising difficult questions about whether to stick to the plan or pivot in pursuit of a rare talent.

It all started after Bleacher Report’s Zachary D. Rymer speculated a dream deal between the Red Sox and Skenes! But to get someone like Skenes, you need to trade a similar-level rookie. Someone like Roman Anthony?

Well, the Red Sox manager, Alex Cora, is still looking to accommodate his star rookie in the big league. “But we are where we’re at. Right now, we’ve got some guys here that are playing great baseball. We understand that at one point, I do believe they’re going to be part of this. But as of right now, we haven’t made that decision.”

With six home runs, eight doubles, two triples, 18 RBIs, 33 runs, and 37 walks in just 42 games for Triple-A Worcester, Roman Anthony is leaving little doubt about his readiness. The 20-year-old outfielder is not just performing, he’s making a statement. But where exactly does Anthony fit?

Boston already has Trevor Story at shortstop and Ceddanne Rafaela patrolling center field. Yes, both are navigating rough patches, but still command patience from Cora. Hence, no short-term placement for Anthony in the big league!

What’s left then? A trading? Could Roman Anthony become a trade chip in a blockbuster deal for an elite arm? It’s a scenario that would have seemed unthinkable weeks ago. However, with a talent like Skenes reportedly in play, even untouchables might suddenly have a price. The Red Sox must now decide whether to accelerate their internal plan or use their prospect capital to win bigger, sooner.

Skenes can lighten up the Red Sox’s pitching lineup

Let’s be honest here. The Red Sox have a few replacements for the batting lineup, but nothing for their pitching.

For starters, Garrett Crochet has been a bright spot in an otherwise struggling Red Sox rotation, posting a stellar 2.00 ERA while the rest of the starters have combined for a concerning 5.16 ERA. This stark contrast highlights the team’s urgent need for another front-line arm to support Crochet and stabilize the pitching staff.

Now you know the name! A pitcher like Paul Skenes, with his electric arsenal and ace potential, could dramatically shift the outlook of the rotation.

However, acquiring a talent like Skenes would come at a steep price. For instance, the Red Sox might need to get Skenes in exchange for Roman Anthony. Yes, Anthony is a rising star with advanced plate discipline and offensive upside, but elite arms like Skenes are rare and often worth the gamble.

Skenes has been a standout performer for the Pirates this year. He boasts a 2.44 ERA, ranking 13th in the league, along with 62 strikeouts and a WHIP of 0.94, which is 9th-best among qualified pitchers. Something irresistible for Cora to avoid. 

While Cora is buying time for the existing lineup and to promote Anthony, a blockbuster trade deal would not be surprising here. And well, seeing Paul Skenes pitch alongside Crochet might be a dream come true for fans as well.