The New York Yankees appear to be going big game hunting at the MLB trade deadline, but the latest rumor indicates the club will be unsuccessful in landing one superstar starting pitcher. New York (along with most of MLB) has their eyes on Pittsburgh Pirates All-Star pitcher Paul Skenes.
New York Post’s Jon Heyman reported that the Yankees would only be willing to trade top prospect Spencer Jones in a blockbuster deal for Skenes. This does not appear to be something the Pirates are willing to explore as the pitcher is “untouchable,” per Heyman.
“The Yankees would likely only trade Spencer Jones if the Pirates reversed and listened to package for Paul Skenes. (Zero sign they will!),” Heyman wrote in a July 29, 2025, story titled, “Mets outfielder search has interesting wrinkle with Guardians’ popular trade chip Steven Kwan.”
Let’s dive into the latest Yankees trade rumors, including the team’s attempted push for Skenes.
Pirates Pitcher Paul Skenes Could Eventually Land a $400 Million Contract
The two-time All-Star is currently on a one-year, $875,000 deal but is headed for a lucrative new contract. Spotrac’s Michael Ginnitti projects Skenes’ next contract will be a seven-year, $113 million deal. According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, Skenes could eventually top the $400 million mark.
“If it’s not [Tarik] Skubal (or Pérez), it’s bound to be Skenes,” Passan detailed in a May 6, story titled, “MLB’s next $600 million star? Passan predicts mega-contracts.” “The 22-year-old helped his clock by winning Rookie of the Year and the full year of service that comes with it. He’ll be just 27 when he’s on the market after the 2029 season.
“And if Skubal (or Pérez) does indeed crack the $400 million threshold, it would be no surprise to see Skenes — the best pitching prospect in a generation — parlay his productivity, age and marketability into becoming baseball’s first half-billion-dollar pitcher.”
The Yankees Are Unlikely to Land Pirates SP Paul Skenes in a Blockbuster Trade
Given the Pirates’ struggles combined with Skenes being headed for a massive payday, MLB teams like the Yankees appear to have kicked the tires on a potential deal. So far, it appears that Pittsburgh has no interest in parting ways with Skenes.
“Team executive who inquired about a trade for Paul Skenes was told: Not happening (no surprise there, but doesn’t hurt to ask),” Heyman noted in a July 18, message on X.
Yankees Rumors: New York Also Linked to David Bednar & Oneil Cruz Ahead of MLB Trade Deadline
If Skenes is out of the picture, who could the Yankees pursue in the final hours of the MLB trade deadline? Heyman provided a list of other more realistic options New York is exploring.
“Though the Yankees were among teams to check on Oneil Cruz, he’s unlikely to be traded,” Heyman added. “Besides the untouchable iconic Skenes, the Yankees have interest in many Pirates (David Bednar, Mitch Keller, Isiah Kiner-Falefa and Andrew Heaney).
“The Yankees have seriously discussed Bednar, but there’s a real gap in talks. Santana was bad for the Yankees (and Mets), so he seems unlikely for them.”
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