They don’t have many untouchables.
Yesterday, it was reported by Ken Rosenthal that when it comes to the Pirates and their deadline plans, they have really only two players that would be considered “untouchable” in trade talks with other teams.
Ace right-hander Paul Skenes and franchise icon Andrew McCutchen are the Pirates’ only untouchables, according to officials briefed on the team’s plans. As free-agent prices for starting pitchers soar, [Mitch] Keller’s contract looks increasingly reasonable.
It makes sense too that this is how the Pirates should be handling the deadline. To be perfectly blunt, the Pirates stink and should be considering moving everyone and everything in the organization outside of the duo noted. The question for today then becomes this: do any of the players the team has interest the Phillies at that trade deadline? There are a few names, of course:
- David Bednar: the erstwhile closer in Pittsburgh has been rough the past few years, but another power arm in the bullpen that would get to work with Caleb Cotham isn’t a bad idea
- Bryan Reynolds: he’d solve one of their outfield issues, either in center or left. The contract is an issue, but that can be worked around
- Dennis Santana: speaking of relievers to add to the fold, Santana has been great this year in Pittsburgh
There are others that might perk your ears up, so which is the most interesting to you?