As the Los Angeles Dodgers limp through another season plagued by pitching injuries, speculation is intensifying around a potential blockbuster trade for Pittsburgh Pirates phenom Paul Skenes. In a recent proposal from ESPN’s David Schoenfield, the Dodgers are linked to a high-profile trade package that would send five promising players to Pittsburgh in exchange for one of the most electric arms in baseball.
The proposed deal includes catcher/outfielder Dalton Rushing, outfielder Josue De Paula, infielder Alex Freeland, and pitchers Emmet Sheehan and Jackson Ferris — a combination that would gut L.A.’s top prospect depth, but possibly solve its biggest problem.
Could Dodgers’ Trade for Paul Skenes? ESPN Proposal Highlights the High Cost of Chasing an Ace
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“As the Dodgers’ pitching injuries have piled up again, Skenes could be a match,” Schoenfield wrote. “Rushing is blocked at catcher by Will Smith, and he and De Paula probably have more power upside… The Pirates might, understandably, ask for Roki Sasaki, and that could be the deal-breaker for the Dodgers.”
The inclusion of Roki Sasaki, the Japanese sensation signed by L.A. earlier this year, might be where the conversation ends. While Skenes is clearly more MLB-ready and is dominating with a 1.94 ERA and 4.8 bWAR through 116 innings, Sasaki remains a tantalizing long-term investment. Schoenfield suggests asking for Sasaki could push L.A. away from the table entirely.
And yet, LA’s need is real. Shohei Ohtani won’t pitch in 2025. Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tyler Glasnow, and Walker Buehler have all battled injuries. Blake Snell has struggled to stay on the mound. Adding Skenes — who leads the NL in Cy Young odds and already pitches like a seasoned ace — would immediately transform their October rotation into perhaps the most dangerous in the game.
Still, skepticism remains about whether the Pirates would actually move Skenes. The rookie has become the lone bright spot in another frustrating season in Pittsburgh. Trading him would spark outrage among Pirates fans and send a disheartening message about the franchise’s long-term vision. As Doug McKain of Dodgers Nation noted, “He’s basically their marquee player… it’d be tough to even put a valuation on what he’s worth.”
The Dodgers, meanwhile, have built their empire on calculated aggression — trading for stars, spending when others hesitate, and trusting their player development to replenish whatever is lost. Whether that confidence extends far enough to include surrendering Sasaki remains to be seen.
For now, Schoenfield’s hypothetical serves as a reminder: when it comes to acquiring generational talent like Paul Skenes, there’s no such thing as a bargain.