Pirates Trade Deadline Primer: Needs, Potential Targets, More

The MLB trade deadline is only one week away and the Pittsburgh Pirates look primed to be buyers.

It’s an unfamiliar spot for the Pirates to be in as they have been rebuilding pretty much ever since the new regime led by Ben Cherington and Derek Shelton took over prior to the start of the 2020 season.

But this year, the Pirates are in contention for a playoff spot. Pittsburgh currently holds a 51-49 record, good for third place in the National League Central and well within striking distance of a crowded Wild Card mix.

The Pirates have some obvious needs and another that might not be as clear. 

Adding to the lineup will be a big focus for Cherington and the front office over the next seven days. Specifically, the Pirates will need more from the two outfield spots not occupied by All-Star Bryan Reynolds – even with Joshua Palacios’ spark and Michael A. Taylor’s stellar defense.

In addition to upgrading the offense, the Pirates could be on the hunt for additional relief help. Overall, the bullpen has been performing well of late, but every contender in the league will be looking for bullpen help and the Pirates could look for more veteran-type arms to help down the stretch. 

POTENTIAL OUTFIELD TARGETS

Jazz Chisholm Jr. (Marlins)

The Pirates and Marlins have had exploratory trade talks regarding Chisholm, according to the Miami Herald’s Craig Mish in an appearance on 93.7 The Fan. In 97 games this season, Chisholm has been roughly a league-average performer with a .249/.323/.408 slash, 13 homers, 45 RBIs and 19 steals. Chisholm, 26, would also give the Pirates some versatility. In addition to handling center field for most of the last two seasons, he has plenty of experience at second base and can fill in at short n a pnch. He’s under team control through 2026.

Taylor Ward (Angels)

While Chisholm would give the Pirates an option in center field, Ward is a corner outfielder. He’s spent this season in left but would switch to right – where he also has experience – if he were to play in Pittsburgh. The 30-year-old has played in 97 games this year and carries a .230/.314/.399 slash with 18 doubles, 14 homers and 45 RBIs. He’s also under contractual control for two additional years beyond 2024. 

Jesse Winker/Lane Thomas (Nationals)

Grouping Winker and Thomas together since they are both on the same team. The Nationals have already swung one trade, dealing reliever Hunter Harvey to the Royals for an infield prospect, indicating they indeed will be sellers.

Thomas, who turns 29 next month, has struggled defensively this season but carries a respectable if not unspectacular .246/.315/.396 slash and has stolen 25 bases. He’s arbitration-eligible again this winter before hitting the open market following the 2025 season.

Winker, meanwhile, has bounced back with the Nationals after an ugly 2023 season. In 96 games, the 30-year-old Winker has hit .262 with a .380 on-base percentage and has 29 extra-base hits including 11 homers. He will once again be a free agent after this season. 

Tommy Pham (White Sox)

The Pirates were rumored to be interested in Pham as a free agent this offseason before landing on Michael A. Taylor during spring training. Pham eventually landed with the White Sox and is batting .269 with a .724 OPS in 64 games. Last season, the 36-year-old was traded to the Diamondbacks at the trade deadline and helped guide Arizona to a World Series appearance. Pham would be a rental acquisition.

Other possibilities: Harrison Bader (Mets), JJ Bleday (A’s), Michael Conforto (Giants), Kevin Pillar (Angels)

Unlikely: Randy Arozarena (Rays), Luis Robert Jr. (White Sox), Brent Rooker (A’s)

POTENTIAL BULLPEN TARGETS:

There are a lot of arms that will be available in the next week. Given where the Pirates are at in the standings and where they are from an organization standpoint, a rental reliever might make the most sense. Here are a few bullpen arms on expiring contracts who could fit the bill.

• RHP John Brebbia (White Sox), RHP Carlos Estéves (Angels), RHP Luis García (Angels), RHP Yimi García (Blue Jays), RHP Trevor Richards (Blue Jays), RHP David Robertson (Rangers), RHP Hunter Strickland (Angels)

Unlikely: RHP Lucas Erceg (A’s), RHP Michael Kopech (White Sox), Mason Miller (A’s), Tanner Scott (Marlins)

ANY SUBTRACTIONS?

Though the Pirates should be looking to buy this offseason, could they trade away anyone from the major-league roster? Giving the limited spending from ownership, the Pirates may need to shed some salary to upgrade the roster in a more impactful way.

One player who could potentially be dealt is left-handed reliever Aroldis Chapman, who is available, according to league sources. Chapman is still owed the prorated portion of the one-year, $10.5 million contract signed in the offseason. 

Hypothetically speaking, the Pirates could dangle Chapman in a major-leaguer for major-leaguer swap, a type of trade Cherington hasn’t ruled out.