While the Detroit Tigers remain atop MLB standings, it becomes more and more likely they would look to buy at the trade deadline in July. The Tigers have a top-5 offense, top-10 defense and, at this point, should be aiming to make a deep run in the playoffs.

The reality that the Pirates are far away from contending has led to trade chatter around Skenes, whom they control through 2029. Pirates general manager Ben Cherington said recently that dealing Skenes for hitting help is “not at all part of the conversation,” while Skenes said, “Anybody can play GM.”