With the July 31 MLB trade deadline rapidly approaching, the Pittsburgh Pirates are once again expected to be sellers. How aggressively they’ll sell, though, remains to be seen.
Let’s start with a disclaimer that no one on the Pirates’ roster other than Paul Skenes and Oneil Cruz should feel particularly safe at this year’s deadline. That said, there are certain names that come up in trade rumors more often than others – starting pitcher Mitch Keller and closer David Bednar, among others.
Here are some additional, perhaps less obvious names to keep an eye on, with the Pirates expected begin their sell-off as the trade deadline approaches.
3 Pirates who aren’t as safe as they think with the 2025 trade deadline approaching
Isiah Kiner-Falefa
Isiah Kiner-Falefa has been a useful, versatile piece for the Pirates ever since his arrival at last year’s trade deadline, producing steady defense and providing a veteran presence. But he’s 29 years old and on an expiring deal, indicating he’s not part of the long-term plan in Pittsburgh. Veteran utility players make for great bench pieces and are always in demand this time of year, and the Pirates could probably get a fringe top-30 prospect or a controllable bullpen arm in return.
Ke’Bryan Hayes
Ke’Bryan Hayes has long been seen as a foundational piece in Pittsburgh – a Gold Glove third baseman with elite defense, a team-friendly contract and leadership qualities – but the Pirates may be reevaluating who they are actually building around. Hayes is a defensive wizard, but his bat just hasn’t developed into the middle-of-the-order threat that the Pirates were hoping for. The Pirates may be able to flip Hayes to a contending team for a premium return, especially with teams always desperate for elite defense and cost control.
Jack Suwinski
Jack Suwinski was once seen as a long-term power bat, but inconsistency and platoon issues have raised questions about his Major League viability. The Pirates may prefer to move on and make room for outfield prospects like Lonnie White Jr. or Konnor Griffin, the latter of whom has seen a rapid ascent to the top of MLB’s Top 100 prospects list and could be knocking on the door of the big leagues far sooner than anyone anticipated.
More Pirates content from Rum Bunter
Source link
