But regardless if Ryan is traded, the Pirates will also inquire about higher ranking prospects as well as major leaguers. This would include Hyeseong Kim and recently promoted No. 1 prospect Dalton Rushing. No. 2 and 3 prospects Josue De Paula and Zyhir Hope are also worth watching though their debuts are not imminent.

Tim Kelly of Bleacher Report predicted the Pirates will be sellers at this year's deadline, but not with Skenes. "There may come a day when the Pirates have to entertain the possibility of trading Paul Skenes, but things aren't yet there," he wrote.

Skenes is having a ridiculous sophomore season, with an ERA of 2.44 and 62 strikeouts in 62.2 innings pitched. Opponents are batting just .190 off of Skenes, but the lack of run support has limited him to three winning decisions against five losses.