Starting Lineup is a collection of reporting, observations, and insights from the baseball beat.
Leading off …
The Pittsburgh Pirates are considering trading 22-year-old ace Paul Skenes due to their poor start and lack of competitive commitment. An AL executive indicated that trading Skenes could be wise, as the team has already lost a year of control, and the historical precedent suggests trading pitchers before they leave via free agency. Meanwhile, top prospect Bubba Chandler shines in Triple-A, and the Pirates must navigate complex decisions about player management and organizational direction moving forward.
