Call to the pen
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Trade Deadline: Pirates, Cardinals, and Cubs for sale: Brewers, Reds wish list

By Beau Adams

CHICAGO, IL - JUNE 15: Marcus Stroman of the Chicago Cubs takes the mound prior to a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Wrigley Field on June 15, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Matt Dirksen/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - JUNE 15: Marcus Stroman of the Chicago Cubs takes the mound prior to a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Wrigley Field on June 15, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Matt Dirksen/Getty Images) /
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Jul 14, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Rich Hill (44) delivers a pitch against the San Francisco Giants during the first inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 14, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Rich Hill (44) delivers a pitch against the San Francisco Giants during the first inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

Selling the NL Central: Pittsburgh Pirates

The Pirates looked like surprise contenders in early May, but their success proved to be a fluke, and they are in fourth place in the NL Central now with a .451 winning percentage. They have some quality pieces they can use to bolster their younger talent.

Vincent Velasquez is 4-4 in eight starts with 37 strikeouts in 37 innings. In the final year of his contract, having one of his best seasons, the Pirates will be fielding calls for Velasquez, and the Marlins could be a great landing spot for him as they try for a Wild Card run.

The veteran pitcher Rich Hill is in his 18th season as a journeyman starting pitcher. In what should be his last year, he could be moved to a team like the Milwaukee Brewers or Arizona Diamondbacks to help them through the final months as they push through the summer to the playoffs.

Andrew McCutchen is slashing .268/.383/.808 and is on pace for his fourth 20/20 season. He would be a great bartering chip a could bring in pieces to build a championship team in Pittsburgh. The Orioles, Braves, and Twins could all use his help or even return to the Giants or Yankees to help them get into the playoff hunt. On a one-year, $5 million contract, the former MVP is a low-risk and inexpensive acquisition.

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