The Pittsburgh Pirates have some big decisions to make about their future. One thing, however, is certain. Paul Skenes isn’t going anywhere. At just 23, he dominated the league with a 1.97 ERA, along with a 10-10 record and an impressive 216 strikeouts over 187 2/3 innings. His name has been popping up in trade talks all year, but turns out that’s simply because he’s that good and the Pirates are struggling. But now, the insiders have a clear ultimatum.

Bob Nightengale from USA Today noted on Monday, “The #Pirates won’t even listen to trade proposals for SP Paul Skenes, so don’t bother calling.”

Despite having an impressive list of individual accolades to his name, Paul Skenes has yet to experience team success with the Pirates. The Pirates have failed to come close to postseason contention through his first two seasons. After dropping 91 games in 2025, the organization faces a long road ahead.

With four years of team control left, Paul Skenes is the clear favorite to take home his first NL Cy Young Award this season.

Already a two-time All-Star, he’s earned a reputation for being the kind of pitcher who can lead and lift an entire staff. Since being drafted first overall in 2023, Skenes has rapidly become one of the most sought-after talents in baseball.

He’s made it clear he wants to stay in Pittsburgh. But the team’s reluctance to spend big and its consistently low payroll raise doubts about whether they can actually build a winning roster around him.

All of this is unfolding as the Yankees keep a close eye on Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal. A former MLB general manager even linked New York to a potential move — one that could turn their rotation into the best in baseball by 2026.

With questions around Gerrit Cole’s workload and long-term durability, the Yankees are under pressure to add another frontline arm. Skubal’s youth, team control, and strikeout stuff make him the perfect fit for a club trying to stay on top in the AL East.

His rise only adds heat to the broader pitching market — especially for names like Paul Skenes. If the Pirates ever entertained offers, the return would be enormous. His blend of dominance, durability, and years of control makes him a rare commodity.

Contenders would line up with top prospects and young stars to get him, knowing a true ace can change everything. But moving a player like Skenes could also spark backlash in Pittsburgh, where fans see him as the face of the future. For now, the Pirates’ stance is firm — he’s not for sale — but his value and the league’s growing appetite for elite pitching make him the center of every conversation this offseason.

If Skenes were available, though, which team would actually be the right fit for him?

Dodgers-Paul Skenes trade could ruin baseball for real

The Dodgers already have a dream rotation, including Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Shohei Ohtani, and Roki Sasaki. But imagine adding Paul Skenes to that mix.

Meanwhile, the Pittsburgh Pirates have one of the best pitchers in baseball, but that’s pretty much where the good news ends. It’s Skenes and not much help around him in the Steel City.

That’s why some in the media have floated an interesting idea for a while now. The Pirates should trade him for a massive return of players and prospects.

The logic is simple: one man, no matter how dominant, can’t win a World Series alone. But if Pittsburgh were to move Skenes for six or seven high-upside talents, they might just have the foundation to build a true contender down the road.

Even ESPN’s David Schoenfield imagined a blockbuster deal earlier in July that would send Paul Skenes to the Los Angeles Dodgers. In return, the Pirates could get a loaded package featuring Dalton Rushing, Josue De Paula, Alex Freeland, Emmet Sheehan, and Jackson Ferris.

The Dodgers would have been fine with a deal like this, especially since they’re expected to load up even more talent in free agency soon.

For Los Angeles, trading top prospects rarely backfires. After all, they’re constantly replenishing through smart signings and big trades.

For the Pirates, though, it’s tempting but still feels far-fetched. Maybe Skenes ends up on the trade block a few years down the line, but for now, he looks safe in Pittsburgh.