Pittsburgh’s best trade asset, starting pitcher Paul Skenes, is the player brought up most often in potential rumors. However, Pirates general manager Ben Cherington has made it clear that Skenes is not available in trade talks. Skenes spoke to reporters about being included in trade rumors.

The combination of Skenes' brilliance and Pittsburgh's ineptitude has led to rampant speculation that Skenes could be traded. The frugal Pirates also seem unlikely to offer him a market-value extension before he hits free agency, which won't be until 2039.

The Paul Skenes trade talk has gotten so out of control that the Pittsburgh Pirates star was even forced to address it after Friday's 6-5 win over the Milwaukee Brewers.