Pirates’ Bold Trade Plan to Keep Paul Skenes

The Chicago White Sox entered the offseason with a clear goal: trade superstar outfielder Luis Robert Jr. and ace Garrett Crochet. They wasted no time striking their first blockbuster deal, sending Crochet to the Boston Red Sox in exchange for a haul of top prospects. That return gave White Sox fans a glimpse of hope for the future, but Robert remains on the roster.

If Chicago lowers its asking price, the Pittsburgh Pirates could emerge as a serious contender to acquire the dynamic outfielder.

A Trade That Could Transform the Pirates

The Pirates have an ace in Paul Skenes, a pitcher who has the potential to be one of the best in baseball for years to come. But if Pittsburgh wants to maximize his impact, they need to build a competitive roster around him.

Adding Robert, a player with legitimate 30-homer, 30-steal potential, would be a massive step toward contention. A move like this could also help convince Skenes to remain in Pittsburgh long-term, even though he’s under team control for several more years.

In this potential trade scenario, the Pirates would send three of their top ten prospects to the White Sox in exchange for Robert.

Termarr Johnson (2B/SS, 20 years old)
Johnson has slashed .239/.390/.406 in his pro career, boasting an impressive OPS near .800 despite being just 20 years old. His five-tool potential makes him one of Pittsburgh’s most exciting young players.

Thomas Harrington (RHP, 23 years old)
Harrington is among the best pitching prospects in the Pirates’ system. He has consistently dominated since turning pro, with a strong mix of pitches and solid command.

Mitch Jebb (SS, 22 years old)
Jebb is a talented shortstop prospect known for his ability to make consistent contact. While he doesn’t project as a major power threat, he has a reliable hit tool that gives him a high floor.

NL Central Race Heats Up

The National League Central is wide open in 2025. While the Chicago Cubs remain a talented squad, the Pirates could make a serious push with a move like this. Adding Robert would instantly boost their offensive production and provide Skenes with much-needed run support.

For the White Sox, moving Robert for a package of top prospects would accelerate their rebuild, giving them more young talent to develop for the future.

If Chicago is willing to adjust its asking price, this could be a deal that benefits both teams heading into the new season.

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