Pirates
Pirates Tabbed as Potential Landing Spot for Several Trade Candidates

The Major League Baseball playoffs are still underway, but speculation surrounding the offseason has already begun. As the Pittsburgh Pirates gear up for the winter, there are several areas of the team that will be a priority for general manager Ben Cherington.
The Pirates will be seeking upgrades to the lineup, most notably at first base and in the outfield. Given the organization’s spending habits — or lack thereof — addressing their needs via the trade market could prove more beneficial in making significant improvements.
On Friday, Zachary Weimer of Bleacher Report named the most likely trade target for each of the 30 teams in the league. He has the Pirates as potential landing spots for several players.
1B Ryan Mountcastle (Orioles)
- 2024 stats:Â .271/.308/.425, 30 doubles, two triples, 13 home runs, 63 RBIs, three steals, 124 games
Mountcastle has been with the Orioles for the past five seasons and has been an above-league average performer each year. In addition to his steady offense, Mountcastle had the best defensive season of his career in 2024 and is a Gold Glove Finalist.
The 27-year-old, who is entering his second year of arbitration, is projected to earn $6.6 million for 2025. The Pirates would have control over him through the 2026 season.
In addition to the Pirates, the Astros and Tigers are listed as the other two potential landing spots.
OF Wilyer Abreu (Red Sox)
- 2024 stats:Â .255/.322/.459, 33 doubles, two triples, 15 home runs, 58 RBIs, eight steals, 132 games
Sticking in the National League East, Weimer says the Pirates could be a fit for Abreu, who is off his first extended season in the Major Leagues. The 25-year-old had a strong season at the plate and put up an astonishing 18 defensive runs saved in 125 games in right field for the Red Sox this season.
Abreu would come with plenty of control. He won’t hit free agency until after the 2029 season.
The Royals and Guardians are the other two potential landing spots.
1B Spencer Torkelson (Tigers)
- 2024 stats:Â .219/.295/374, 21 doubles, one triple, 10 home runs, 37 RBIs, 92 games
Torkelson, the top pick in the 2020 draft, presents an interesting change-of-scenery trade option for the Pirates. The 25-year-old struggled in his rookie season in 2022, rebounded for 31 home runs in 2023 but, regressed this past season.
Torkelson isn’t arbitration-eligible until next offseason and won’t hit free agency until after the 2028 season.
Bleacher Report has the Red Sox and Diamondbacks as the other two possible destinations.
3B Brett Baty (Mets)
- 2024 stats:Â .229/.306/.327, three doubles, four home runs, 16 RBIs, 50 steals
Despite playing a different position, Baty is in a similar situation as Torkelson as a one-time top prospect searching for answers in the big leagues. Baty peaked as high as No. 21 on MLB Pipeline’s top 100 prospects in 2023.
Though third base is seemingly locked down by Ke’Bryan Hayes, Baty has some experience playing both second base and left field. He won’t be a free agent until the 2028-29 offseason.
The Pirates are joined by the Mariners and Tigers as landing spots if dealt.
In order to acquire any of those four players, or anyone else, the Pirates would have to part with young assets. Weimer lists right-handed pitcher Braxton Ashcraft as the Pirates’ trade option with the Red Sox, Orioles and Guardians as potential landing spots.
Aschcraft is Pittsburgh Baseball Now’s No. 5 Pirates’ prospect. The right-hander battled some injuries this season but reached Triple-A and was effective when healthy. In 16 appearances/14 starts between Double-A and Triple-A, Ashcraft went 3-2 with a 2.84 ERA in 2024.