Significant trade targets are beginning to emerge for the Pittsburgh Pirates before Monday’s deadline.
The team with the most relievers that are intriguing the Pirates? The spot where the season began: the New York Mets.
According to Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon of The Athletic, the Pirates and Milwaukee Brewers are showing “strong interest” in reliever Luke Weaver. The Brewers have also been linked to Mason Miller and Tarik Skubal.
Late on Friday afternoon, Joel Sherman of The New York Post reported the Pirates are “curious” about Weaver and fellow right-hander Huascar Brazobán.
It’s no secret the Pirates need multiple high-leverage relievers to fix their bullpen.
Former closer Dennis Santana was released this week, and Gregory Soto hasn’t been able to lock down the closer role either.
Mason Montgomery has done solid in a limited sample size at the back end, further showing that the Pirates need significantly more assistance to make the postseason.
Weaver, who is signed for $11 million in 2027, owns a 1.88 ERA in 41 appearances. He holds a 0.84 WHIP over 43 innings and has struck out 44.
The most impressive of all? Weaver didn’t allow a run in May or June. He’s allowed one run in July and owns a 0.84 ERA in his last 30 games.
Brazobán, 36, is having a breakout season. He owns a 2.61 ERA through 51.1 innings over 45 games and has struck out 47, compared to 22 walks.
He’s produced a career-high 1.5 WAR, has a 1.006 WHIP, and a 160 ERA+.
Brazobán didn’t debut until his age-32 season and is under club control for three more seasons.
Pirates insider Jason Mackey told 93.7 The Fan on Friday that a deal for Weaver would potentially include third base prospect Murf Gray.
MLB writer Michael Marino reported that the Mets have interest in Gray and shortstop prospect Sammy Stafura.
The Pirates need to be aggressive in their pursuit of relief help. That doesn’t mean trading Seth Hernandez, but being comfortable being uncomfortable with their prospects.
Pittsburgh is .500 entering Friday’s game against Cincinnati and is a crucial time to stick around in the chase for the wild card.
The 2026 MLB trade deadline is Monday at 6 p.m.
