Pirates Rumors: Pittsburgh Poised To Make ‘Tidal Wave’ At MLB Trade Deadline

The Pittsburgh Pirates reportedly won’t sit idly by before the upcoming MLB trade deadline.

Pittsburgh possesses the National League’s second-worst record (39-61) after getting swept by the Chicago White Sox. The Pirates could capitalize on a seller’s market and reshape their future.

A recent report indicated that they’re preparing for a busy deadline. The Pirates are “ready to make a tidal wave” by July 31, according to The Athletic’s Jim Bowden.

Bowden wouldn’t be surprised if the Pirates moved Mitch Keller, Andrew Heaney, David Bednar and Dennis Santana before August. The former general manager said “several teams” have asked about Bednar and Santana, Pittsburgh’s premium relief pitchers.

Pittsburgh is also listening to inquiries about third baseman Ke’Bryan Hayes and All-Star outfielder Bryan Reynolds. The usually consistent Reynolds has registered a .662 OPS in the third season of an eight-year, $106.75 million contract that includes a 2031 club option.

Although Paul Skenes isn’t available, Ben Cherington reportedly “seems more open” to making other big moves this summer. The general manager discussed his deadline approach during a weekly radio appearance on 93.7 FM, via the Tribune-Review’s Kevin Gorman.

“Every team is focused on, ‘How do we improve our situations?'” Cherington said Sunday. “Obviously, we’re in a situation that we don’t want to be in. We need to find ways over the next several days into July 31 to put ourselves in a better situation going forward to increase the chances of the Pirates being a winning team in 2026 and beyond. That’s our only focus.”

Of those potential deadline movers, only Heaney is a free agent this offseason. The New York Yankees have also checked on utility man Isiah Kiner-Falefa, but the Pirates don’t seem interested in moving franchise stalwart Andrew McCutchen.

As a result, the Pirates don’t have to sell for the sake of selling unless they receive worthwhile offers. Keller should especially require a pricey return as a durable and effective 29-year-old starting pitcher under contract through 2028.

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