MLB Rumors: Pirates ‘In Regular Contact’ With AL Contender Before Trade Deadline

The Pittsburgh Pirates may draw considerable attention from contenders ahead of the July 31 trade deadline.

Pittsburgh has fallen to 39-60 after allowing 10 runs each in consecutive losses to the Chicago White Sox. The recent slide will likely compel World Series hopefuls to inquire about some of their veteran players.

One prominent team is reportedly deep in deadline discussions with the Buccos. The New York Yankees have maintained “regular contact” with the Pirates, according to MLB Network’s Jon Heyman.

Heyman said the Yankees are interested in the following Pirates players: Mitch Keller, David Bednar, Dennis Santana, Ke’Bryan Hayes and Isiah Kiner-Falefa.

A source told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s Noah Hiles earlier this month that Pirates general manager Ben Cherington “seems more open to making a bigger move than usual.” But that doesn’t mean a Paul Skenes trade is on the table this summer.

The Pirates told a Skenes suitor that a deal involving their ace is “not happening,” Heyman reported on Friday. The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal previously identified the 2025 MLB All-Star Game starter and Andrew McCutchen as the team’s only untouchable players.

The Yankees reportedly have several other contributors in mind.

Hiles recently linked the Yankees to Keller, joining the New York Mets and Chicago Cubs among the known teams interested in the 29-year-old starting pitcher. Keller has posted a 3.48 ERA in 20 starts this season and is under contract through 2028.

Most playoff hopefuls desire bullpen help down the stretch, so Pittsburgh’s premier relievers could be popular targets. Bednar has rebounded from a rough start to go 18 straight appearances without allowing an earned run, and Santana boasts a 1.56 ERA and 0.82 WHIP during a career year.

The Yankees could also attempt to reunite with Kiner-Falefa, who spent the 2022 and 2023 seasons in the Bronx. The versatile veteran primarily played shortstop and the outfield during that stint, but New York may want the 30-year-old to fill their void at third base.

Hayes has struggled at the plate, but the son of former Yankees third baseman Charlie Hayes could give the reigning American League champions a defensive upgrade at the hot corner.

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