Pirates Linked To Athletics All-Star Slugger With Trade Deadline Looming

There could be some major fireworks across Major League Baseball before the trade deadline passes on July 30th.

A handful of high-impact trades already have been made — including the New York Yankees acquiring rumored Pittsburgh Pirates target Jazz Chisholm Jr. — and there will be more over the next two days. Pittsburgh is expected to be busy as it attempts to gain some ground in the standings and earn a playoff spot.

The Pirates have been linked to a handful of players who could upgrade the middle of the lineup and The Athletic’s Jim Bowden even claimed that the Pirates have reportedly “shown interest” in landing Oakland Athletics slugger Brent Rooker.

“Rooker was an All-Star last year and he’s having an even better season this year, slashing .294/.369/.585 with 25 home runs and 72 RBIs,” Bowden said. “The Pirates, (Seattle Mariners), and (Boston Red Sox) have shown interest in him. He’s under team control through 2027. The A’s have to be overwhelmed to trade him.”

If the Pirates could land someone like Rooker, that would be an extremely successful trade deadline. He has been fantastic this season as Bowden noted. Rooker easily will eclipse 30 homers this year, will approach 100 RBIs, and is a near .300 hitter. What more could a team ask for? Plus, he wouldn’t be a rental.

He’s the type of player that could transform the middle of a club’s order down the stretch. It’s been noted that the Pirates could use a boost offensively and Rooker could be that guy at the right price.

More MLB: Pirates Seen As Potential Fit For Nationals Outfielder Before Trade Deadline