Pirates Are 'Likely Buyers' At Trade Deadline, MLB Insider Says

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Hang on, Pirates fans. Help is on the way. Probably.

That's according to The Athletic's Jim Bowden, who predicted Pittsburgh's surprising start to the season will make the club "likely buyers" ahead of the MLB trade deadline on August 3.

"The Pirates finally improved their offense in the offseason and the moves have been huge for a team that is finally relevant again," Bowden wrote Tuesday. "Offseason trade acquisition Brandon Lowe and free agent Ryan O’Hearn have been impact players, though O’Hearn landed on the IL on Sunday with a quad strain. Center fielder Oneil Cruz is having a breakout season offensively, contributing with power and speed. After a slow start, rookie Konnor Griffin has started to find his rhythm at the plate.

"That improved lineup has supported the best part of the team, the starting rotation, which is led by the game’s best starter, Paul Skenes," Bowden added. "Braxton Ashcraft and Mitch Keller have also been effective, giving Pittsburgh a solid top three in the rotation with Jared Jones almost ready to come off the IL."

Despite Tuesday's 9-6 loss to the St. Louis Cardinals, the Pirates are keeping their head above water, although their 24-24 record puts them in last place in the National League Central.

FanGraphs gives the Pirates a 37.8% chance of making the playoffs for the first time since 2015 and projects the team will win 83 games.

But to hit those goals, Bowden believes the Pirates have some wheeling and dealing to do.

"The Pirates need another middle-of-the-order bat for either third base, catcher or designated hitter and to improve their bullpen quality and depth," Bowden noted.

First things first, though. The Pirates will try to snap their four-game losing streak on Wednesday when they continue their three-game series against the Cardinals in St. Louis.

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