Tigers Expected to Propose Major 'Godfather' Trade for Pirates Ace Paul Skenes

The Detroit Tigers, known for their strong farm system, have been proposed as a realistic contender to acquire Pittsburgh Pirates ace Paul Skenes through a blockbuster trade involving multiple top prospects, including Max Clark and Kevin McGonigle. ESPN analyst David Schoenfield highlighted that while the Pirates may be reluctant to trade their generational talent, the potential return package from Detroit could transform their franchise outlook. Skenes, despite his exceptional pitching performance, has struggled with team support as the Pirates languish in last place, making him a prime candidate for a trade to a World Series contender. Similar "Godfather" trade packages have been suggested by Schoenfield for other teams like the New York Mets and Los Angeles Dodgers, but the Tigers' offer stands out due to their depth and payroll flexibility. Meanwhile, other prominent MLB players like Minnesota Twins' Byron Buxton are also discussed in trade speculation, but with less likelihood of movement compared to Skenes. Overall, the possibility of a major trade involving Skenes reflects the Tigers' aggressive approach to improving their roster and the shifting dynamics of MLB trade strategies in 2025.