The MLB trade deadline is four days away, and the Pittsburgh Pirates are in desperate need of bullpen help.
Everyone knows it. That’s not an industry secret that the 29 other teams are unaware of.
As the deadline nears and the Pirates hover around .500 and the final wild card, it’s time for the Pirates to become the most aggressive they’ve been in a decade.
ESPN insider Buster Olney labeled the Pirates as one of 12 teams that are most desperate to make moves to their major league roster.
The greatest
area of need? The bullpen.
Pittsburgh ranks 24th in bullpen ERA and released former closer Dennis Santana this week following a chaotic season that resulted in an ERA over six.
It’s a huge week for Ben Cherington, whose offense ranks first in hits per game and tied for second in runs scored. The staff also boasts two All-Star starters and Jared Jones, emerging as one of the best young right-handed starters after internal brace surgery last year.
The Pirates offense is the best of our lifetime, and Olney reported on Wednesday that other teams have definitely taken notice.
“That rotation is f- – -ing real,” one rival executive told Olney, “and they can score.”
Olney pointed to Padres star closer Mason Miller and shutdown lefty Adrian Morejon as names to keep an eye on, but said “we’ll see” and didn’t add any other rumblings surrounding the duo.
The same executive told Olney, “they’re going to be aggressive” at their trade deadline.
It’s a common statement local and national insiders have reported in the previous weeks.
The Padres relievers would make a significant impact, but would command a significant return, and San Diego is closer to the final wild card than the Pirates.
Pittsburgh is two games back of the Arizona Diamondbacks after losing two out of three games this week and looking up at the Marlins and Padres. Philadelphia is also tied for the final wild card.
The Pirates begin a crucial four-game series against the rival Cincinnati Reds on Thursday before their most important deadline since 2015.
