The Pittsburgh Pirates are approaching the 2026 MLB trade deadline as a likely buyer or at the very least should be a seller. But being that the Bucs are a contender in the NL Wild Card hunt, they are expected to make some moves come the August 3 MLB trade deadline.
There are some serious needs that Pittsburgh has to tackle, like the bullpen. Although the offense is very strong, they could use help at designated hitter and third base. Here are some projected players that we have been hearing that could be traded.
Mason Miller
Miller has been the best relief pitcher all season for the San Diego Padres which is why Pittsburgh has been linked to him. The 27-year-old is also a Pittsburgh native and the Bullpen is by far the biggest need for the Pirates.
However, it seems very unlikely that San Diego moves on from Miller considering the Padres are just 1.5 games out of a wild card spot. ESPN insider Jeff Passan says that it is likely the Pirates will go after a relief pitcher, but it’s unlikely that it will be Miller. The Bucs would also probably have to give up number one prospect Seth Hernandez if they wanted Miller.
Adley Rutschman
Baltimore Orioles catcher Adley Rutschman has been a name that has been thrown around as well. Baltimore is looking like a team that could sell at the deadline and they could get some good young prospects in return.
However, just like Mason Miller, this seems unlikely. Endy Rodrigues is back from his injury and if the Pirates were to trade for a catcher I don’t think it would be a high caliber one like Rutschman. According to multiple MLB insiders, the New York Yankees seem to be the favorite to land Rutschman at this time.
Adrian Morejon
If the Pirates can’t land Mason Miller from the Padres, there is another relief pitcher from San Diego that will fit nicely. Adrian Morejon is probably the most realistic player the Buccos can add during the deadline according to Jeff Passan.
He is a flamethrower that would fit quite nicely in the bullpen. Morejon leads the Padres with 8 wins and he has a 3.14 ERA with 64 strikeouts on the season.
The 27-year-old would help the struggling bullpen a lot and I don’t think the Pirates would have to give up a top prospect like Hernandez to get him.
Ryan Zeferjahn
Lastly, there is Ryan Zeferjahn from the Los Angeles Angels. Zeferjahn is a name that no one is talking about but would be a sneaky great addition for the Pirates bullpen. A lot of the players that are rumored are all relief pitchers which makes sense because that is Pittsburgh’s biggest need.
The 28-year-old has a 3.78 ERA with 71 strikeouts in 44 appearances this season. Zeferjahn is a high strikeout type pitcher who has been one of the more reliable arms on the Angels this season.
Let us know who you think the Pirates should go after at the August 3 trade deadline.
