Overview
- Jon Heyman reported Thursday that New York tried to land Skenes at last July’s deadline, and Pittsburgh shut it down before hearing the offer.
- Reports say the Yankees were ready to part with four top prospects, which could have included Cam Schlittler, George Lombard Jr., Spencer Jones, or Carlos Lagrange.
- Pirates GM Ben Cherington has repeatedly told teams he is not trading Skenes, who is under club control through the 2029 season.
- Coverage notes the Yankees may try again if an opening appears, though Skenes denied in December that he wants out of Pittsburgh and off-field signals are thin evidence.
- Analysts point out that years of team control make an ace far more valuable to his current club, which is why prying one loose usually costs multiple elite prospects and patience.