Cubs Rumors: Chicago Has ‘Inside Track’ in Potential Trade for Pirates’ Paul Skenes
May 20, 2025
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Aaliyan Mohammed is a Newsweek contributor based in Atlanta, GA. His focus is MLB content. Aaliyan has been with Newsweek since 2024 and previously worked at MLB.com, Wisconsin Sports Heroics and Heavy.com. He is a graduate of Mississippi State University. You can get in touch with Aaliyan by emailing a.mohammed@newsweek.com
Aaliyan Mohammed
Contributing Sports Writer
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Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
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The Pittsburgh Pirates fired Derek Shelton earlier this month and are poised to become sellers at the deadline. However, they also seem to be far from being even a postseason contender.
“If they believe they have absolutely no chance of signing him, then they should trade him,” said Passan. “And you can make an argument that they should trade him now.”
“What incentive does Paul Skenes have to extend with the Pirates? The Pirates have not shown willingness, from Bob Nutting all the way down, or the ability to bring in guys who are going to make this team better,” Passan continued.
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN – JULY 11: Paul Skenes #30 of the Pittsburgh Pirates throws a pitch in the first inning amb at American Family Field on July 11, 2024 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN – JULY 11: Paul Skenes #30 of the Pittsburgh Pirates throws a pitch in the first inning amb at American Family Field on July 11, 2024 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. John Fisher/Getty Images
Skenes’ last start showed that he needs to play elsewhere if he wants to win. He threw his first complete game, giving up one run. That one run was enough for the Philadelphia Phillies as the Pirates were shut out. It is becoming more and more clear that Skenes will have many enticing offers in free agency in 2030. The Pirates are not going to outbid bigger market teams, and are not giving him any reason to take a discount. FanSided’s Jacob Mountz noted the Cubs could have an “inside track” in a potential trade war for Skenes.
“The Cubs own a deep farm system with a total of six top-100 prospects,” wrote Mountz. “Matt Shaw and Cade Horton are likely off limits since both are needed in Chicago, but among other interesting pieces are Cubs’ No. 3 and 4 prospects Owen Caissie and Moisés Ballesteros.”
Trading for Skenes would likely deplete the Cubs’ farm system, but it may be worth it. Skenes was the National League Rookie of the Year last year and looks like an All-Star again this year. If the start of his career is any indication, he is going to be an ace for years to come. Trading for him now, before he starts making top-tier money, would help any contender.
More MLB: Dodgers Given ‘Inside Track’ to Add Paul Skenes After Shocking Pirates Move
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