Pirates Viewed As Potential Fit For Mets Outfielder Prior To The Trade Deadline

There could be changes coming to the Pittsburgh Pirates in the near future.

The Pirates are in a great place this year following the All-Star break. With the emergence of All-Star pitcher Paul Skenes and the continued high level of play from the pitching staff overall, the Pirates are right on the brink of the playoff picture.

The red-hot Pirates are sitting just outside of the last National League Wild Card playoff spot. The Major League Baseball trade deadline coming up in less than a week on July 30th, it would make sense for Pittsburgh to look for ways to improve their roster. 

With how well the pitching staff is doing right now, the Pirates will most likely look to add a couple of bats to bolster the lower half of their starting lineup before the trade deadline. 

One player who was mentioned as a possible fit for the Pirates ahead of the July 30th trade deadline is New York Mets outfielder Harrison Bader by The Athletic’s Aaron Gleeman and Tim Britton.

“Always a standout defender in center, Harrison Bader is in the midst of his best offensive season since 2021 and his healthiest season ever — he’s on pace to play in a career-high 144 games,” Britton and Gleeman said. “He’s rewarded the Mets’ belief that he could be an everyday player, delivering a .800 OPS against righties that’s more than 100 points above his career mark entering the season.”

Bader has been tearing up the league this season, slashing .273/.312/.420 with eight home runs and 36 RBIs. With the offensive struggles that the Pirates have dealt with this season, adding a player batting over .270 would be a huge addition and something that could help propel them to a playoff spot.

More MLB: Pirates Seen As A Potential Fit For Angels Outfielder Ahead Of Trade Deadline