Amid this news, 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.

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.

The Boston Red Sox are right behind the New York Yankees in the American League East. They could swing a blockbuster trade to shift the tide.