Three potential early trade targets for the Pirates
Please don’t exchange Paul Skenes for the sake of all things sacred!
Many teams are already considering their alternatives with roughly two months until the trade deadline. While some teams aim to improve their roster and fight for the playoffs, others are more concerned with cutting fat and making the most of their available resources in the hopes of earning a profit. Given that they are unable to compete this season, the Pirates undoubtedly belong to the latter category. In light of this, from whom would they be able to move on by July 31?
David Bednar, a closer
At the start of the season, David Bednar was sent down to Triple-A Indianapolis after going on an all-time terrible streak, making it look like the trade market had entirely disappeared. He has since returned to the Majors, though, and his appearance has improved. It is logical to believe that the Buccos might receive a nice deal in exchange for the Renegade, especially since the market for Bednar has heated up.
Catcher Joey Bart
The Pirates still need to try their hardest to get the most out of young prospects Henry Davis and Endy Rodriguez, who have been playing hot during this period when Bart has been uninspiring. Catcher Joey Bart was a great addition for the Pirates last season and showed signs of being their everyday catcher at times. However, lately, he has looked like yesterday’s news, not producing well at the plate, and is currently on the injured list.
Carmen Mlodzinski, starter
The rotation for the Pirates appears to be stronger than ever. Paul Skenes’ skill is well known, and in addition to Mitch Keller and Bailey Falter, Andrew Heaney was a fantastic offseason addition. Bubba Chandler is expected to be promoted to Pittsburgh shortly, and Mike Burrows was recently called up. After failing to establish himself in the rotation, Carmen Mlodzinski is currently in Triple-A Indianapolis, and it appears that his time in Pittsburgh is coming to an end. He might be brought back up as a bullpen arm, but since his contract is about to expire, Pittsburgh may want to cut some fat and concentrate on their future pitching.
Conversations have mentioned a number of names, including Colin Holderman, Isiah Kiner-Falefa, Dennis Santana, Bryan Reynolds, Ke’Bryan Hayes, and of course, Skenes. A number of players have contracts that are about to expire, and some may simply not be a good fit in a Pirates uniform, but this is all just conjecture. Fans should anticipate the Pirates to be rather active on the market once more, perhaps doing more selling than purchasing, if last year’s trade deadline is any guide.
Tell us what you believe the Pirates will do this season.
