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Pittsburgh Pirates general manager Ben Cherington speaks during the Major League Baseball's general manager meetings, Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2023, in Scottsdale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Matt York)
In the thick of the National League wild card race, the Pirates find themselves in unfamiliar territory — they will be buying at this year’s trade deadline.
At 55-54, the Pirates trail the third wild card spot by two games and are poised to strike between now and Monday’s 6 p.m. ET deadline.
The Pirates have a playoff-caliber offense. They have a solid starting rotation. But they’ve largely treaded water for most of the year, and if they want to get over the hump, moves will have to be made.
Here’s everything to know leading up to the deadline.
Done Deals
The Pirates swung a trade with the White Sox on the eve of the draft by acquiring infielder Jacob Gonzalez and left-handed pitcher Brandon Eisert for a compensation draft pick and pitching prospect Jaden Woods.
Pittsburgh added another bullpen reinforcement from the Padres by acquiring right-hander Ron Marinaccio for international bonus pool money.
Needs
The biggest need for the Pirates is obvious. They need bullpen help, and they need to make more than one addition.
The Pirates don’t have many guys in the bullpen — if any — they can completely count on. Their relievers this season have blown 19 of 40 save opportunities and rank 22nd with a 4.38 ERA.
Getting someone who can serve as closer would be big, but any help late in games would do wonders. The Pirates also will need to add a right-handed option who is capable of getting left-handed batters out.
While bullpen is the biggest need for the Pirates, there are a couple other areas they could look to address. A loss to Eduardo Rodríguez and the Diamondbacks on Wednesday was yet another indication of the offense struggling against left-handed starting pitching, so adding a right-handed bat should also be on Ben Cherington’s to-do list.
The Pirates could also seek to add starting pitching depth, preferably a left-hander, for the final stretch of the season. Braxton Ashcraft has already exceeded last year’s total innings. Jared Jones has been good but is coming off elbow surgery. Bubba Chandler is still a rookie. Mitch Keller has been better of late but shaky this season. There shouldn’t be much worry about Paul Skenes’ workload.
Potential Fits
Pittsburgh-native Mason Miller is far and away the top closer who could be moved in the next couple days, but the asking price will be extremely steep and one the Pirates could shy away from. It’s also possible Miller stays put.
Sticking with the Padres, left-hander Adrian Morejon, who will be a free agent at season’s end, is an attractive alternative if San Diego trades away a bullpen piece.
Mets right-hander Luke Weaver is in the first year of a two-year, $22 million contract and would be the Pirates’ closer if they were able to land him. His teammate, right-hander Huascar Brazobán is a more cost-effective alternative with multiple years of control.
Other possible fits include LHP A.J. Minter (Mets), RHP Kirby Yates (Angels), RHP Antonio Senzatela (Rockies) and RHP Michael Peterson (Marlins), though there is no shortage of available options.
As for right-handed hitters, Angels outfielder Jo Adell could be a possibility. Adell is batting .313 with a .941 OPS and 10 home runs in 126 plate appearances against left-handed pitching this season. Royals outfielder Lane Thomas is in a similar spot, and Padres first baseman Ty France is having a strong season, particularly against lefties.
When it comes to rotation depth, don’t expect the Pirates to splurge on an impact guy given there are more pressing needs. But a two-month rental or a depth player stashed in the minor leagues could be of interest.
Top Trade Chips
The Pirates prefer dealing prospects as opposed to players on their big-league roster, but Cherington previously stated they need to be open to everything.
In terms of prospects, right-handed pitcher Seth Hernandez is the only one who is untouchable. The Pirates will surely be reluctant to part with fellow top 100 prospects Edward Florentino and Murf Gray, but they could be had in the right deal.
The Pirates have strong outfield depth, which will be even stronger once Oneil Cruz returns from injury. Jhostynxon Garcia, who was recalled by the Pirates on Wednesday, could be expendable. Left-hander Hunter Barco, also recalled on Wednesday, is another top prospect who could be moved.
Further down the organization, infielders Sammy Stafura and Wyatt Sanford, catchers Axiel Plaz and Easton Carmichael, and left-hander Reinold Navarro could gain plenty of interest. And the Pirates should be willing to part with just about anyone not named Seth Hernandez.
The post Pirates Trade Deadline Primer: Buying Bucs Have Work to Do appeared first on Pittsburgh Baseball Now.
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