As of July 13th, our Pittsburgh Pirates have a record of 50 wins and 47 losses. They are currently two games back from a National League Wild Card spot. MLB insiders report that the front office is officially planning to buy at the deadline. This plan aims to bolster a roster that can put an end to our decade-long postseason drought. The team is in a strong position in the race.
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Where the Team Stands Right Now
We are in a fascinating spot where one clear weakness is holding back an otherwise elite squad. Our offense has transformed into one of the best in baseball. It ranks fourth in the league in runs scored. This success is due to big years from veterans Ryan O’Hearn and Brandon Lowe. There is also internal growth from Nick Gonzales and Bryan Reynolds. Paul Skenes, a Cy Young winner, and Jared Jones have the rotation looking bright. However, our bullpen has been a major liability. It ranks 23rd in MLB with a 4.53 ERA. The relief corps has experienced multiple meltdowns. Reliable arms like Evan Sisk are on the injured list. We desperately need a closer who can secure games late.
Players Most Likely to Be Traded
Unlike past years, the Pittsburgh Pirates aren’t expected to move many active roster players. The primary “trade chip” is our No. 34 overall compensation draft pick. This is the only pick league rules allow us to trade. Rival executives expect Ben Cherington to offer it for an established MLB reliever before the draft begins this Saturday. Moving this pick would mean losing approximately $2.9 million from our MLB-leading $19.1 million bonus pool, but it is a price the front office seems willing to pay for immediate help.
Potential Trade Targets
The “dream fit” currently making waves is Mets righty, Luke Weaver. He has been near unhittable this year with a 0.59 ERA since early April. Another strong possibility is a reunion with Aroldis Chapman, who is pitching to a dominant 0.44 ERA for the Red Sox. His $13 million salary is a heavy lift for our payroll. Additionally, there’s a $13 million mutual option for 2027. If we want a younger, long-term solution, Boston’s Garrett Whitlock is considered the “best fit”. He is 30 years old, carries a 2.60 ERA, and comes with affordable club options of $8.25 million and $10.5 million for 2027 and 2028.
Key Prospects That Could Be Moved
We currently boast the best farm system in baseball. This gives us the ammunition to land almost anyone on the market. Our top prospect, Konnor Griffin, is likely untouchable, even with his current finger injury. However, other high-tier talents exist. These include 100-mph righty Bubba Chandler, who is ranked 15th, and power-hitting outfielder Edward Florentino, who is ranked 28th. They could be centerpiece options in a blockbuster deal. For an elite, multi-year asset like Weaver or Whitlock, the Pirates might even consider moving Seth Hernandez. Seth is a 19-year-old flamethrower. He commands an imposing presence on the mound.
What Should the Front Office Do?
It is time to be aggressive. We have a lineup that can compete with anyone. However, watching Gregory Soto and Dennis Santana struggle in high-leverage spots has already cost us too many wins. The front office should prioritize trading the compensation pick and a mid-level prospect for Garrett Whitlock; his 29.1% strikeout rate and multi-year control provide the exact stability this bullpen needs. We shouldn’t settle for rentals when we have the prospect capital to fix this problem for the next three seasons.
The window to win with Paul Skenes is officially open—let’s not waste it by being timid.
Do you think the Pittsburgh Pirates should trade the No. 34 overall pick for a reliever or keep it to continue building the farm?
