Pirates Named As Potential Fit For Athletics All-Star Outfielder

The Pittsburgh Pirates have a shot at the playoffs and look to be buyers at the MLB Trade Deadline.

Despite falling to the Philadelphia Phillies on Sunday, the Pirates have found themselves at 50-49 and are just a half game back of the final National League Wild Card spot.

It’s well-documented that the pitching of Pittsburgh has been what has powered them forward. Since the start of June, the Pirates rank in the top 10 of the league with a 3.72 ERA (6th), 3.42 FIP (1st), 8.80 K/9 (10th), and 3.73 SIERA (6th).

Offensively, they could use a spark — ranking 22nd in home runs (101), 26th in average (.233), and 23rd in runs (414). Beyond the likes of Bryan Reynolds, Oneil Cruz, and Rowdy Tellez, this team should be making an add in the trade market if possible.

MLB.com’s Thomas Harrigan has been the latest to name the Pirates as a potential suitor for a bat, this time naming them as a landing spot for Oakland Athletics’ outfielder Brent Rooker.

“The Bucs are in the thick of the National League Wild Card race on the strength of their pitching staff, but Paul Skenes, Mitch Keller and co. need more support from an offense that ranks 20th in runs per game (4.19) and 27th in OPS (.669),” Harrigan wrote. “Pittsburgh may not want to displace franchise icon Andrew McCutchen as its starting DH, but Rooker could fit in right field, where the team has recorded a .666 OPS.”

As Harrigan also noted, he might be the best hitter available at the trade deadline.Rooker was an All-Star in 2023 but has leveled up this season. He’s hitting .294 at the plate with 22 home runs, 65 RBIs, and an .951 OPS through 85 games for the A’s. He’d certainly be a big add to any team this season, especially the Pirates.

More MLB: MLB.com Names Pirates’ Goal For Second Half Of 2024 Season