Pittsburgh Pirates Eye Potential Trade Targets to Strengthen Lineup

As the Major League Baseball playoffs continue, discussions about offseason strategies for teams are heating up.

The Pittsburgh Pirates, under the leadership of general manager Ben Cherington, are focusing on critical areas that need enhancement, particularly in the lineup.

The team is specifically looking to bolster its first base and outfield positions.

Given the franchise’s cautious spending habits, pursuing talent through trades might be a more effective route for the Pirates to achieve the significant upgrades they seek.

In a recent article by Zachary Weimer on Bleacher Report, the Pirates were identified as likely candidates for several players on the trading block.

Among these potential targets is first baseman Ryan Mountcastle from the Baltimore Orioles.

Over the past five seasons, Mountcastle has consistently performed above average, and 2024 marked the best defensive year of his career, earning him a Gold Glove nomination.

With a solid batting line of .271/.308/.425, featuring 30 doubles and 13 home runs, Mountcastle is projected to earn around $6.6 million in 2025,

allowing the Pirates control over him until the end of the 2026 season.

Another name on the list is outfielder Wilyer Abreu of the Boston Red Sox.

After a successful first full season in the majors, Abreu posted a respectable .255 batting average, hitting 15 home runs and saving 18 runs defensively in right field.

At just 25 years old, he will not reach free agency until after the 2029 season, making him an attractive option for the Pirates who seek long-term solutions. Other teams in the mix for Abreu include the Kansas City Royals and the Cleveland Guardians.

First baseman Spencer Torkelson from the Detroit Tigers is also mentioned as a possible acquisition.

The 25-year-old former first overall draft pick has had a mixed performance history, displaying significant power with 31 home runs in 2023, but struggling in 2024. His contract situation is favorable for the Pirates, as he is not eligible for arbitration until next offseason and won’t be a free agent until after the 2028 season. The Pirates are not alone in their interest; the Red Sox and Diamondbacks are also considering him.

Another intriguing prospect is third baseman Brett Baty from the New York Mets. Although his batting numbers this season have not been impressive, Baty remains a highly regarded talent, previously ranking as one of the top 100 prospects. With experience in multiple positions, he could add depth to the Pirates’ roster. Baty is under team control until the 2028-29 offseason, which could align with the Pirates’ strategic planning for their future.

To successfully land any of these players, the Pirates will likely need to part with promising young assets. Weimer suggests that right-handed pitcher Braxton Ashcraft could be a key piece in potential trade discussions. Ashcraft, ranked as the Pirates’ No. 5 prospect, has shown promise despite injury setbacks, finishing 2024 with a 2.84 ERA in Triple-A. This could make him an appealing option for teams like the Orioles, Red Sox, and Guardians looking to bolster their pitching depth.

In summary, the Pittsburgh Pirates are strategically positioning themselves for the offseason, eyeing several key players who could enhance their roster significantly. The focus on trades rather than free agency reflects