As the 2025 MLB season heats up, the Los Angeles Dodgers are once again eyeing moves to bolster their roster for a deep postseason run. One of the most tantalizing trade possibilities emerging in baseball circles is a blockbuster 4-player deal that would bring one of the game’s most exciting pitching prospects — Paul Skenes — to the Dodgers.

Paul Skenes, the 2023 MLB Draft’s first overall pick, is already making waves as a future ace. A towering right-hander with electric stuff, Skenes was the first overall selection by the Pittsburgh Pirates and quickly ascended through the minor leagues, showcasing a fastball that touches the upper 90s, a devastating slider, and a sharp curveball. His command, maturity on the mound, and poise under pressure have drawn comparisons to some of the game’s best young pitchers.

At just 22 years old, Skenes represents a foundational piece for any team seeking long-term pitching dominance. For the Dodgers — a franchise with a tradition of competing for championships year in and year out — landing a talent like Skenes could cement their rotation for years to come.

The Dodgers have a wealth of pitching talent but have faced injury setbacks and inconsistencies, particularly in their rotation’s back end. While the front office remains optimistic about their current rotation, including veterans and mid-career stars, the addition of a dynamic young pitcher with frontline potential aligns perfectly with their strategy of blending proven veterans with up-and-coming stars.

Paul Skenes fits the Dodgers’ profile of a controllable, elite talent who could anchor the rotation well beyond 2025. Given the Dodgers’ penchant for pushing all chips in to compete for immediate championships, acquiring Skenes also gives them insurance against any long-term injuries to their existing starters.

This trade idea involves a complex 4-player swap between the Dodgers, Pittsburgh Pirates, and potentially other teams. Here’s the hypothetical breakdown:

Dodgers Receive:

• Paul Skenes (RHP, Pirates)

Pirates Receive:

• Gavin Lux (INF/OF, Dodgers)
• Dylan Covey (LHP, Dodgers)

Additional Moves:

• Dodgers send a top prospect or two (e.g., pitcher or position player) to a third team in exchange for a complementary piece to balance the trade, such as a bullpen arm or outfielder.
• Third team sends a promising player or draft picks to Pirates to sweeten the deal.

The complexity of the trade is necessary given the high value of Skenes, the Dodgers’ willingness to part with a premium young player like Gavin Lux, and the Pirates’ need to restock multiple parts of their roster with MLB-ready talent and prospects.

Skenes is arguably the crown jewel in this deal. His upside is astronomical, with his pitching arsenal already capable of dominating at the MLB level. Despite limited major league innings, scouts rave about his mound presence and his ability to elevate his performance in high-leverage situations. For the Dodgers, Skenes isn’t just a prospect; he’s the future face of the rotation.

Gavin Lux is a dynamic young infielder/outfielder who has already shown flashes of star potential with the Dodgers. Known for his contact hitting, speed, and defensive versatility, Lux offers the Pirates a valuable MLB-ready player who can contribute immediately. For Pittsburgh, acquiring Lux is part of a rebuild effort that focuses on accumulating controllable young players with upside.

Covey provides the Pirates with left-handed pitching depth, which is always a valuable commodity. His experience as a reliever and spot starter adds flexibility to the Pirates’ pitching staff as they look to rebuild and compete in the coming years.

• Rotation Stability and Future Proofing: Adding Skenes addresses the Dodgers’ long-term rotation questions, especially in light of injuries to key arms like Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow.
• Blending Youth and Experience: Skenes would join a rotation that includes veterans, creating a balanced staff poised for sustained success.
• Market Advantage: By making a bold move, the Dodgers would signal to the rest of MLB that they’re fully committed to competing this season and beyond.
• Control and Cost Efficiency: Skenes comes with years of team control, providing excellent value compared to signing a free agent of similar caliber.

Trading for a player like Skenes is never cheap. The Dodgers would have to part with key pieces — such as Gavin Lux — who have been developing within their system. Lux has shown promise, but his potential is still evolving, making this a gamble on immediate and long-term return.

Additionally, the Dodgers would likely need to include prospects or other roster players to balance the deal. This risks thinning organizational depth but is a risk the Dodgers often take when chasing elite talent.

For the Pittsburgh Pirates, trading away Skenes is a tough but strategic decision. Despite his upside, the Pirates are in a rebuilding phase and need a blend of MLB-ready talent and prospects to accelerate their competitive timeline.

Acquiring players like Gavin Lux and Dylan Covey helps provide immediate contributions while also adding versatility and depth. Moreover, adding draft picks or other prospects via a three-team deal would help the Pirates build for the future.

To complete the deal, a third team would likely participate, facilitating the exchange of complementary players and prospects. This could be a team looking for bullpen help or minor league depth, making the deal more palatable for all sides.

If this blockbuster trade goes through, the Dodgers would not only enhance their starting rotation but also demonstrate a clear win-now mindset. The infusion of Skenes would bolster the rotation immediately, potentially making the Dodgers one of the toughest teams to face in the National League.

In the long term, Skenes could be the cornerstone of the Dodgers’ pitching staff for years to come, aligning perfectly with their philosophy of sustained excellence.

• Injury Risk: As with any young pitcher, there’s always risk of injury or underperformance. The Dodgers would be betting heavily on Skenes’ health and development.
• Loss of Depth: Giving up players like Gavin Lux reduces depth and flexibility, particularly in the infield and outfield.
• Adjustment Period: Skenes would need time to adjust to the Dodgers’ pitching staff and coaching philosophies, though this is a relatively minor risk given his talent.

The idea of the Dodgers landing Paul Skenes in a wild 4-player blockbuster trade is both exciting and plausible given the current MLB landscape. It represents a bold move to strengthen the rotation and build a future rotation ace, fitting the Dodgers’ aggressive strategy to remain championship contenders.

While the Dodgers would need to give up significant assets to pull off this trade, the payoff could be monumental — turning a promising young pitcher into the next dominant force in Los Angeles.

As trade rumors swirl and the July trade deadline approaches, all eyes will be on the Dodgers and the Pirates to see if this blockbuster deal could become a reality. For Dodgers fans dreaming of another World Series title, landing Paul Skenes could be the game-changing move they’ve been waiting for.