Pirates 'aggressive' trade deadline plan hits snag due to one ridiculous problem

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Pirates 'aggressive' trade deadline plan hits snag due to one ridiculous problem originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Pittsburgh Pirates are planning to be trade deadline buyers this season, as they're one of the best offenses in baseball, with Paul Skenes leading a strong rotation.

Adding bullpen is a key area to upgrade this summer by the August 3 trade deadline. With USA Today's Bob Nightengale reporting the Pirates plan to be aggressive, there's plenty of reason for fans to be excited for the deadline.

That would be the case if it weren't for a ridiculous problem that Nightengale shared. Even though the Pirates plan to be aggressive, it's only if they can add without "increasing payroll" this season.

Pirates 'aggressive' trade plan has ridiculous problem​

"The Pirates, who entered the break having scored an MLB-leading 516 runs, plan to be aggressive at the deadline," Nightengale writes. "Yet, only if they can acquire pieces without increasing payroll."

This is a very frustrating plan for the Pirates, as while they are aiming to be aggressive, their lack of willingness to spend more than they are right now is a bad sign for any meaningful additions to be made.

Sure, the Pirates might have interest in players who could help them, but if they're not willing to add to their payroll, it's going to be very difficult to make meaningful additions.

While the Pirates aren't expected to be suitors for the best trade chips in baseball, they could still add a few players to make a meaningful impact this season in the second and third tiers of the trade market.

MORE: Mason Miller shares honest thoughts on Yankees trade rumors

But now, even those tiers might be hard for the Pirates to acquire if their trade deadline plan is to avoid increasing their payroll.

This is a completely ridiculous problem for the Pirates at this year's trade deadline. Now is the time for the Pirates to not worry about payroll, especially with a good enough team to make a run this October.

If they stick to this aggressive plan, but also stand by their plan to not add to their payroll, the Pirates might not have a very productive deadline.

Hopefully, this plan for the Pirates changes. If they're aggressive without worrying about payroll, some meaningful additions could be made this summer. But, as things stand now, the Pirates' deadline might be very lackluster if payroll can't increase.

More MLB news:​

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• Why Astros are trading Lance McCullers to the Brewers
• Red Sox trade rumor involving All-Star shortstop includes Yankees, Braves
• Blue Jays could do something crazy and trade for Bo Bichette
• Phillies could get involved with Mason Miller again after trade rumor

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