The Major League Baseball trade deadline is upon us. Teams will scramble to add that last piece before the trade deadline to give them an edge as they fight for the playoffs and beyond.
The Pittsburgh Pirates should be included in this group of teams as they are in a fierce fight for the third National League Wild Card playoff spot. At 54-52, the Pirates sit two games back from the playoffs. Even with the emergence of their star pitcher Paul Skenes, and the overall great quality of their pitching this season, the Pirates are still in need of a piece or two down the stretch.
Pittsburgh has already made multiple deals ahead of the trade deadline, acquiring second baseman Nick Yorke from the Boston Red Sox, and veteran pitcher Jalen Beeks from the Colorado Rockies.
Even with these new additions, there are still ways that the Pirates can improve their roster before the deadline. The Pirates rank in the bottom five in the MLB in batting average, on-base percentage, and slugging percentage and need more production out of the bottom half of the order.
One intriguing option is Los Angeles Angels outfielder Taylor Ward. Other than All-Star outfielder Bryan Reynolds, Pittsburgh has been lacking offensive production from the outfield. Ward remains a player the Pirates are interested in according to Robert Murray of FanSided.
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“The Pittsburgh Pirates are scouring the market looking for offensive reinforcements, sources say,” Murray said. “One player of interest remains Angels outfielder Taylor Ward, though he is one of many options that Pittsburgh is considering.”
Ward is slashing .227/.309/.401 this season with 16 home runs and 51 RBIs across 103 games played. Ward can provide more offensive production and is just what Pittsburgh needs as they make a push for the playoffs.
More MLB: Pirates Reportedly Land Veteran Reliever In Trade With Rockies Ahead Of Deadline
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