Pirates Rumors: GM Ben Cherington ‘Seems More Open’ To Making Big Moves

The Pittsburgh Pirates could be positioned to make some noise before MLB’s July 31 trade deadline.

Pittsburgh remains last in the National League Central despite sweeping the New York Mets and St. Louis Cardinals, so general manager Ben Cherington could explore a seller’s market for some in-demand players. The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal recently reported that Paul Skenes and Andrew McCutchen are the organization’s only untouchable players this summer.

Another report suggests Cherington may approach the upcoming deadline with a different mindset. Sources told Noah Hiles of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette that the GM could be more aggressive in his sixth season.

“I could see this being a year where he steps out of his comfort zone,” one source told Hiles. “He seems more open to making a bigger move than usual.”

Hiles wrote that Cherington is “pulling out all stops to establish a market for players of interest.” He’s opened the door for teams to approach with a first offer.

The Pirates have several contributors who could entice contenders. Hiles reported that the Chicago Cubs and New York Mets have expressed interest in Mitch Keller, who improved his ERA to 3.64 by allowing five combined earned runs in his last four starts.

However, sources indicated to Hiles that the Pirates may be less willing to move the 29-year-old starting pitcher amid a hot streak.

“That might have made them want to think things over,” Hiles wrote. “This is an organization who really believes in their players. If they think the team can keep this up, they might not be as interested in moving a player like Mitch.”

Late-inning relievers Dennis Santana and David Bednar could be popular targets, and multiple teams (Cubs, New York Yankees and Detroit Tigers) have reportedly inquired about Ke’Bryan Hayes. Hiles added that the third baseman “would be happy to play out the remainder of his contract” with Pittsburgh through 2030.

While Bryan Reynolds has also drawn interest, the All-Star outfielder can block a deal to all but six teams (Mets, Yankees, Los Angeles Dodgers, San Francisco Giants, San Diego Padres and Toronto Blue Jays) with a limited no-trade clause.

More Pirates: MLB Insider Identifies Pirates ‘Untouchables’ Before Trade Deadline