Ex-Pirates Starter, Two-Time All Star Generating Trade Buzz

While the MLB trade deadline is still over a month away, the market is heating up as teams race to supplement their rosters.

Where the Pirates fit in the trade market is still up in the air. While they’re 11 1/2 games back of the final wild card spot, they’ve been playing good baseball since Don Kelly took over as manager and could play their way into contention in a few weeks time.

Although the playoff picture isn’t clear, early rumors still swirl about players who could be moved. One of the names that’s emerged is ex-Pirates starter Tyler Anderson, currently of the Los Angeles Angels. Anderson was listed by MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand in a piece about which trade candidates have improved their stock the most this season.

Anderson spent the first half of 2021 with Pittsburgh before being traded to the Seattle Mariners. The lefty signed with the Angels in 2023 and has a 4.43 ERA over the last three seasons. The southpaw’s changeup has been one of the best in baseball. Righties in particular are baffled by the pitch, whiffing on 42.6% of their swings. Anderson is owed $13 million and is a free agent after the season.

Should Pittsburgh play its way into the wild card chase and want to add to the roster, Anderson could be a fit. Offense is more of a pressing concern; the Pirates rank 29th in the league in runs scored, but there’s no such thing as too much pitching.

The rotation’s 3.60 ERA is in the top ten in baseball, but durability may be a concern. Only the Tampa Bay Rays starters have thrown more innings than the Pirates. With Paul Skenes and Mike Burrows potentially needing innings limits late in the year to protect their health, an additional starter could provide some relief.

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