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Here’s what a Red Sox trade for Paul Skenes might look like, according to a former MLB GM
"For Boston, a rotation led by Skenes and Garrett Crochet would be a game-changer."
The Red Sox and Paul Skenes: The Red Sox are currently 27-30, languishing in fourth place in the American League East, and beset by several fundamental issues.
One of those problems is the starting rotation, which has been—like much of the team—largely inconsistent. While there are other potential solutions, the most striking involves a theoretical trade proposed by former MLB general manager (and current Athletic national writer) Jim Bowden. As Bowden explored in a recent article, what if Pirates ace Paul Skenes was on the trade market?
While Bowden introduced his piece with clear distinctions (the Pirates, as far as anyone can tell, are not currently shopping Skenes), he also pointed out that Pittsburgh is very unlikely to sign the 2024 National League All-Star and Rookie of the Year to an extension. And with the Pirates currently sitting at 20-36, the seemingly impossible scenario in which the 22-year-old Skenes could get traded becomes slightly more plausible.
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Outlining four trade scenarios, Bowden listed the Red Sox as a potential suitor.
Here’s the trade he envisions:
Red Sox trade:
- Roman Anthony, outfielder
- Franklin Arias, infielder
- Justin Gonzales, first base/outfield
- Luis Perales, right-handed pitcher
Pirates trade:
- Paul Skenes, right-handed pitcher
“The Red Sox could offer Anthony, the top position-player prospect in baseball, whom the Pirates could promote to the majors immediately, giving him a chance to win NL Rookie of the Year this season,” wrote Bowden. “They’d also improve their longer-term future by acquiring a middle infielder in Arias, a power bat in Gonzales and a power arm in Perales. Meanwhile, for Boston, a rotation led by Skenes and Garrett Crochet would be a game-changer.”
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As Bowden noted, there is no indication that the Pirates are willing (or interested) in dealing Skenes at this point. And even if he was potentially on the trading block, the Red Sox might not want to part with Anthony (one of the more hyped prospects the team has had in years).
Trivia: What former Red Sox prospect, who was traded by Boston to the White Sox as part of the Chris Sale deal in 2016, was a part of the Dodgers’ bullpen in last year’s World Series win?
(Answer at the bottom.)
Hint: He was a Red Sox first-round pick in 2014.
Scores and schedules:
The Red Sox lost to the Brewers 5-1 on Tuesday. The two teams conclude their three-game series this afternoon in Milwaukee at 1:10 p.m. as Boston tries to avoid the sweep.
Tonight, the Revolution face D.C. United on the road at 8:30 p.m.
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Bruins coaching finalists: Boston Globe reporter Jim McBride explained who the next Bruins bench boss could be. Former Bruin Marco Sturm is reportedly in serious consideration.
On this day: In 2021, Jayson Tatum dropped 50 points in a 125-119 win over the Nets in Game 3 of a first-round playoff series. Unfortunately for the Celtics, that was the only win Boston would muster, falling 4-1 to Brooklyn. The Celtics would get revenge the following season, however, sweeping the Nets 4-0 in a first-round rematch.
Daily highlight: Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran made a leaping catch in Tuesday’s game to prevent what would’ve been an extra-base hit.
Trivia answer: Michael Kopech
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