Yankees' Paul Skenes Trade Idea Ends Anthony Volpe Experiment With 4-Player Swap
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The New York Yankees are losing their stranglehold in the American League East division as their leading offense suddenly grows cold.
After emerging as one of the best batting orders in Major League Baseball, the Yankees' hitters have struggled with runners in scoring position this month.
"It's not a coincidence that the club is 10-11 this month and has seen its lead in the American League East evaporate quickly," Chris Kirschner wrote for The Athletic. "Its woes with runners in scoring position also highlight why the club has lost eight of its past 12 games. During that stretch, the Yankees have a .391 OPS with RISP, the worst in baseball."
The sudden slump is putting a harsh spotlight on shortstop Anthony Volpe, who has endured some defensive miscues as his offensive production falls well short of expectations. He is slashing just .233/.306/.418 so far this season and might never become the heir to Derek Jeter that the franchise has been hoping for.
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - JUNE 4: Paul Skenes #30 of the Pittsburgh Pirates looks on during batting practice before the game against the Houston Astros at PNC Park on June 4, 2025 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo...
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - JUNE 4: Paul Skenes #30 of the Pittsburgh Pirates looks on during batting practice before the game against the Houston Astros at PNC Park on June 4, 2025 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by) More
Berl/Getty
If the Yankees are willing to end their experiment with Volpe as the franchise shortstop, perhaps they would consider a trade idea from Jake Elman of Athlon Sports, which would bring in the most coveted trade asset in the sport: PIttsburgh Pirates' ace Paul Skenes.
"What if the New York Yankees called the Pirates inquiring about Skenes in exchange for several players, including shortstop Anthony Volpe?" Elman asked. "The thought of Pittsburgh being intrigued by Volpe doesn't sound so farfetched. ... Skenes makes perfect sense for a Yankees team needing another impactful starting pitcher."
Elman suggested the Yankees throw in a pair of top-10 prospects to go with Volpe in the deal, floating outfielder Spencer Jones and pitcher Bryce Cunningham as two young talents to flesh out a potential four-player swap.
The Pirates have shut down the idea of trading Skenes, but a package headlined by Volpe should be enough to at least get their attention.
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