Former teammate of Paul Skenes reveals strong Yankees interest

Matt Sullivan

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Former teammate of Paul Skenes reveals strong Yankees interest image

The New York Yankees are star-hunting at all times. Whether it's a free agent, trade target or some other avenue to acquire a player, the Yankees are always going to be linked to superstars around baseball.

So when trade rumors came up around Pittsburgh Pirates ace Paul Skenes, the Yankees being linked to the young ace was hardly surprising.

But a recent report is a bit more than a loose connection. According to Randy Miller of NJ.com, a former teammate of Skenes revealed the Pirates ace has an interest in pitching for the Yankees. 

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Paul Skenes is interested in pitching for the Yankees

"Trust me, he wants to play for the Yankees," a former teammate of Skenes said. "I've heard him say it multiple times."

If the Yankees could add Skenes, it'd be a massive windfall for their organization. He's one of the best pitchers in baseball, and sitting on a Pirates team that's still a ways away from being competitive, Skenes could want out.

Miller also shared how this former teammate of Skenes said the Pirates ace has "no confidence the Pirates ever are going to win" and that he's "hoping for a trade."

A trade for Skenes, especially before the 2026 season, would be one of the biggest trades in MLB history. The Yankees would need to give up multiple top prospects, along with cheap Major League talent, just to begin negotiations.

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While Skenes has interest in the Yankees, his best bet is waiting another four years until he's a free agent and signing on with New York in 2030. It's a ways away, but it's the most realistic scenario for him to join the Yankees organization.

The Pirates trading Skenes, even if it's for a generational haul, would face major backlash from the fan base. A trade later in his years of control, in 2028 or 2029, is much more likely than a trade right now.

If a player as talented as Skenes, who has a 1.97 ERA in 55 career Major League starts, is interested in playing for the Yankees, then Brian Cashman and Aaron Boone could have a superstar player eager to come to New York.

While it's only a dream for the Yankees to land Skenes right now, these comments from a former teammate are great news for the Yankees.

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Staff Writer