Trade Deadline Preview: Pittsburgh Pirates

May 12, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners first baseman Justin Smoak (17) hits a two-run home unr against the Tampa Bay Rays during the eighth inning at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Who could be targeted:

1. Ian Kennedy

The Padres have shifted into selling mode and have made nearly everyone on the roster available for the right price. Kennedy has proven to be a reliable starter in the past and hasn’t benefited from the pitcher’s park that Petco is. He has a year of arbitration eligibility remaining and should be seeing a bump from his $6.1 Million salary, but he could give the Pirates an experienced arm to place near the top of their rotation (similar to the role A.J. Burnett held a season ago). He also likely won’t be an expensive acquisition.

2. Didi Gregorious

While the D’backs have been telling teams that they prefer not to move any of their middle infielders (namely Chris Owings, Gregorious, and Nick Ahmed) it’s tough to fathom the team not being willing to move at least one of them. Gregorious is known more for his defense than his bat, but he could fit into the Pirates lineup well and would help solidify a relatively solid infield.

3. Justin Smoak

Smoak has continued to disappoint in Seattle and has failed to live up to the expectations that pundits placed on him before he stepped into a major league lineup. He can still bring some power to the table, with seven home runs in 241 plate appearances, and might benefit from a change of scenery. Seattle has multiple other options to fill the void he’d leave at first base and they could be willing to move Smoak under the right circumstances.