The New York Yankees are positioning themselves as frontrunners in the anticipated future trade for Paul Skenes, the Pittsburgh Pirates' highly sought-after pitcher, with reports suggesting his girlfriend's recent real estate move to Manhattan could play a pivotal role.
Yankees' Confidence in Landing Skenes
According to a detailed report from the New York Post, the Yankees organization is increasingly confident that Skenes, the 23-year-old Cy Young Award winner, desires to play for them one day. This belief stems partly from his girlfriend, influential social media personality Livvy Dunne, who recently invested in a $2 million apartment in Manhattan's West Village. Prior to this purchase, Dunne reportedly viewed Babe Ruth's former residence, further fueling speculation about a New York connection.
Trade Dynamics and Rival Interest
While the Yankees appear optimistic, the New York Mets could also emerge as serious contenders if Skenes expresses a preference for being based in the city. The Post notes that the Yankees previously attempted to initiate trade talks with the Pirates last July, offering a package of four top prospects: Cam Schlittler, George Lombard Jr., Spencer Jones, and Carlos Langrange. Should future discussions gain traction, the Yankees are prepared to swiftly re-engage in negotiations.
Schlittler has since developed into a starting pitcher for the Yankees, stepping up during Gerrit Cole's recovery from Tommy John surgery last season. This progression underscores the potential value of such trade assets.
Denials and On-Field Challenges
Despite rumors circulating last November that Skenes told Pirates teammates he wanted to join the Yankees—coinciding with his Cy Young announcement—Skenes has publicly denied these claims. In an exclusive interview with the Daily Mail, he dismissed the speculation, stating, "Rumors are rumors, I was frustrated for a little bit, but it doesn't really matter. I've had some time to think about it, but I'm glad I had the opportunity to speak... and clear the air over nothing, basically."
Ironically, reports of Yankees interest surfaced after Skenes endured his worst Major League performance to date, struggling in a game against the Mets in New York. He was pulled by Pirates manager Don Kelly after just 37 pitches, conceding five runs and recording only two outs. Defensive errors by center fielder Oneil Cruz exacerbated the situation, contributing to an 11-7 loss for the Pirates.
Skenes reflected on the outing, saying, "They did a really good job. In the moment, maybe it was a little frustrating but I've just got to execute sooner. You've gotta look at it for what it is, there wasn't a ton of hard contact. A leadoff walk is not great. Some balls landed." Girlfriend Livvy Dunne was present at Citi Field, witnessing the challenging start to the 2026 season.
Dunne's Rising Profile
Livvy Dunne has been making headlines independently, recently securing her first acting role in the remake of Baywatch. She has been filming in Los Angeles alongside Brooks Nader, adding to her growing influence beyond the sports world. Her Manhattan apartment purchase and professional ventures continue to draw attention to her relationship with Skenes and its potential implications for his career trajectory.
As the Pirates struggle despite Skenes' elite pitching talents, many in baseball circles view his eventual trade as inevitable. The Yankees' proactive approach, combined with off-field developments, suggests a compelling narrative unfolding in the coming seasons.
