As the premier ball club throughout baseball’s history, and with the highest payroll in MLB in most years, it’s no wonder New York Yankees fans are expecting a major splash every offseason. The Yankees front office has done well to appease fans in that regard a majority of the time. Following a disappointing end to their 2025 MLB season, Yankees fans want another huge splash.
Trade rumors have only amplified those desires, as the name of Paul Skenes was floated around as a possibility for the Yankees. The 23-year-old has made two straight All-Star Games and won the 2025 NL Cy Young award, asserting himself as the most talented pitcher of the new generation. Naturally, everyone wants him on their club, and that’s only in question because the Pittsburgh Pirates have struggled mightily in his first two seasons.
Skenes having so much success, with very little support around him, has analysts wondering if he might try to angle his way to a better team. That’s obviously easier said than done, especially since he’s under team control until 2030. Skenes himself has said he isn’t going anywhere, and it sounds like that’s the case for 2026. But could 2027 bring about the discussion once again?
Paul Skenes is sticking with the Pittsburgh Pirates for 2026, but door is open after
Mark Feinsand of MLB.com spoke about Skenes potentially joining the Yankees, and he left open the possibility of next offseason bringing a different outcome.
“I don’t know if it qualifies as an actual rumor, but any and all talk about Paul Skenes being traded — specifically to the Yankees — is just insane. The Pirates aren’t trading Skenes this offseason (I won’t guarantee anything beyond that), especially as we keep hearing about them spending some money in free agency. Anything you hear about Skenes being traded to the Yankees should be disregarded — at least for this winter.“
So at least for one more season, there’s absolutely no chance Skenes is moved to another team. But another losing season with the Pirates could change the equation following the 2026 season. Pittsburgh would do well to get to work on that contract extension as soon as possible.
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