With MLB’s non-waiver trade deadline only two weeks away, teams are already combing the market to find ways of improving their squads. The Pittsburgh Pirates, one of our five teams to watch in the second half, appear ready to enter the fray as legitimate buyers.
Rob Biertempfel of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports that the Buccos would ideally like to bring a couple new players into the fold by the end of the month. General Manager Neal Huntington assessed the club’s current situation as follows:
"“It’s going to be an interesting trade deadline, as there’s very few sellers and a huge number of buyers. We’re in a good spot, as we’ve put a good number of wins in the bank. But we still have to move forward and do the things that allow us to be even better.”"
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He is correct in saying the Pirates have put themselves into an enviable position prior to the deadline. Winning eight of their last ten before the break moved them to a robust 53-35 record. While that mark would normally be good enough to lead most divisions at the All-Star break, Pittsburgh shares the NL Central with the just-as-potent St. Louis Cardinals, who sit ahead of them by 2.5 games at present. While the Pirates likely don’t need drastic changes to keep competing, making a few key improvements could provide them with a valuable edge in fending off the Redbirds for the division crown.
Biertempfel speculates that the organization will try to upgrade at first base and in the outfield. Those are clearly the weakest links on an overall solid roster. Current first baseman Pedro Alvarez is once again offering his high-power, high-strikeout routine. The power hasn’t been quite what it used to be, though. Alvarez has 12 homers through 82 games, well off the pace of previous seasons, like 2013’s All-Star campaign in which he belted 36. Meanwhile, he is fanning in nearly 24% of his plate appearances. All that adds up to a -0.4 WAR that Pittsburgh will be more than eager to replace.
The Tribune-Review identifies Adam Lind as a possible first base solution. Lind has been swinging a formidable bat for the Brewers this season and will likely be a popular name among teams seeking help at first base. The 32-year-old veteran is slashing .292/.375/.512 with 15 home runs and 52 RBI on the year. The Pirates would love to slot that kind of production into a lineup that could use a little extra pop. Pittsburgh has hit only 67 homers as a team so far this season, 27th in the league.
Pittsburgh Pirates
One of the Pirates’ first half highlights was the strong play of outfielders Andrew McCutchen and Starling Marte. However, Gregory Polanco and his .653 OPS over in right field have left a little something to be desired. Though Pittsburgh likely fancied the idea of some speed in the corner outfield spots with Polanco and Marte (33 steals between them), it might be time to start exploring other options.
The Pirates have supposedly shown interest in Phillies outfielder Jeff Francoeur, but it’s hard to see him as anything of an upgrade over Polanco. He is eight years Polanco’s senior and has struggled just as much at the plate this year, without the added bonus of speed on the base paths. Pittsburgh should probably aim higher.
Ben Zobrist, baseball’s Swiss army knife, is an alluring name who could address several of the Pirates’ issues in one fell swoop. He can play at multiple spots around both the infield and outfield while providing some solid offense (.775 OPS). With infielder Josh Harrison out for six weeks with a thumb injury, that would make him an even more valuable acquisition. The multi-purpose Zobrist will surely be sought-after by a variety of teams over the next couple weeks, so Pittsburgh would not lack for competition in attempting to land him.
Neal Huntington has a great opportunity ahead of him. He holds the reins of a roster that has performed very well recently and looks ready to make a serious run at its division in the following months. The right deadline deals could give this Pirates team the ammunition to go even further.