The Ideal Pirates Trade Deadline
The Pittsburgh Pirates, sitting at 41-45, are caught in a challenging position as the MLB trade deadline approaches. Despite being just four games out of a Wild Card spot, the small-market franchise must tread carefully. A significant winning streak could persuade ownership to rely on the current roster, while a further decline in the standings might turn the Pirates into sellers.
Navigating this tricky situation requires both luck and bold front-office decisions. While expectations should be tempered, inaction isn’t an option. If the Pirates remain in postseason contention, general manager Ben Cherington needs the green light to upgrade the roster. The team has a solid starting pitching rotation, led by Paul Skenes, Mitch Keller, and Jared Jones, that could make them a threat in October—if they can get there.
Targeting Affordable Talent
Adding a few key players could help the Pirates stay competitive. Typically, teams don’t acquire assets until they’ve at least reached mediocrity, but with a talented pitching trio, Pittsburgh can afford to be unconventional. Blockbuster deals may be out of reach, but meaningful additions are still possible.
Landing Rockies’ Elias Diaz
Manager Derek Shelton, in his fifth year with Pittsburgh, urgently needs productive bats in the lineup. The Pirates rank 24th in MLB with a .228 batting average and are near the bottom in home runs, slugging percentage, and OPS. Despite their offensive struggles, they remain in the hunt.
Cherington should seize the opportunity to bolster the roster. A logical move would be to trade for Colorado Rockies catcher Elias Diaz. Diaz, who gained attention as a trade candidate in 2023, is having another strong season, batting .305 with five home runs and 28 RBIs while slugging .436 in 60 games.
As a 2023 All-Star Game MVP, Diaz would be a significant upgrade over Yasmani Grandal and a valuable stopgap while former No. 1 overall pick Henry Davis develops. Diaz has reduced his strikeout rate significantly and could bring much-needed consistency to the batting order. At 33 and in the final year of his contract, Diaz would be an affordable acquisition.
Adding White Sox Outfielder Tommy Pham
The Chicago White Sox, stuck in the basement of the standings, are likely to be sellers at the deadline. Veteran outfielder Tommy Pham, with his clutch performance history, could be a perfect fit for the Pirates. Despite a modest 105 OPS+, Pham’s experience and playoff pedigree (batting .313 in 31 postseason games) make him a valuable addition.
Pham’s presence could immediately impact the Pirates’ playoff push and enhance their lineup. He’s known for quickly adapting to new environments, making him an ideal candidate for a team looking to make a postseason run.
Key Improvements Without Breaking the Bank
While these moves may not represent a perfect trade deadline scenario, they are likely the best realistic options for the Pirates. Gambling on high-profile players like Luis Robert Jr. isn’t feasible for owner Bob Nutting, who is unlikely to commit long-term to an unproven team.
However, impactful moves can still be made. Adding Elias Diaz to share catching duties with Henry Davis would boost offensive consistency. Acquiring Tommy Pham for right field would bring energy and intensity to the clubhouse. Combined with pitching phenom Paul Skenes, dependable Bryan Reynolds, a strong rotation, and the athletic Oneil Cruz, these additions could fuel an exciting postseason run.
By being both practical and proactive, the Pirates can preserve top prospects like Bubba Chandler and Anthony Solometo while giving fans something to rally behind in the final months of the season. The front office may be hesitant to make a major move, but trading for Diaz and Pham could be the first step toward a more aggressive approach that fans crave. Investing in these players would prevent dampening the growing excitement at PNC Park.
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