Overview

• Jon Heyman reported the Yankees placed an exploratory call to the Pirates about acquiring Paul Skenes, describing the outreach as a case where a phone call couldn't hurt.
• New York was willing to discuss top prospects Spencer Jones and George Lombard Jr., but conversations went nowhere and no offer advanced.
• Pittsburgh quickly shut down the approach and continues to treat Skenes as untouchable while he remains under team control through the 2029 season.
• Reporters characterize an extension as the more likely path for Skenes given the Pirates’ second-half momentum under Don Kelly.
• Skenes’ girlfriend Olivia “Livvy” Dunne was reported apartment-hunting in Manhattan, including a denied co-op bid, but outlets noted this had no bearing on roster decisions.