Examining Trade Candidates for Pirates
As this post is written, the Pittsburgh Pirates are 13-27. Fresh off firing Derek Shelton as manager this week, it appears the team is already finding themselves in a position to be sellers.
So which Pirates players could be on the trade block? Let’s examine several candidates.
Most likely candidates:
Andrew Heaney: The Pirates signed Andrew Heaney this past offseason to a one-year deal for $5.2 million.
In his first eight starts with Pittsburgh, Heaney has registered a 3.18 ERA.
Assuming Heaney continues to provide steady numbers in the Pirates’ rotation, he should definitely be on the move.
Caleb Ferguson: With the departure of Aroldis Chapman, the Pirates brought in multiple lefty relievers for bullpen depth. One of those was Caleb Ferguson, who inked a one-year deal for $3 million.
Ferguson to this point has an ERA of 4.15, along with a 3.69 FIP, in 19 appearances.
Contending teams are always in search of left-handed relief help, and I would expect Ferguson to draw some interest.
Isiah Kiner-Falefa: Acquired from the Toronto Blue Jays at last year’s trade deadline, Isiah Kiner-Falefa entered this season as the Pirates everyday shortstop.
Currently on the injured list, with a hamstring issue, Kiner-Falefa is hitting .280, but only posting a .660 OPS.
Before arriving to Pittsburgh, IKF had been mainly in a super utility role, so I would expect that whichever contender trades for him, will use him in a similar way.
50/50 candidates:
Adam Frazier: After playing his first six big league seasons with the Pirates, Adam Frazier returned to Pittsburgh this year, on a one-year deal worth $1.5 million.
Frazier is filling in as the Pirates second baseman for the injured Nick Gonzales. It’s been a struggle offensively, with an OPS of .594.
Defensively, the 33-year-old Frazier has been surprisingly, solid at second base; recording +4 Defensive Runs Saved.
Frazier has played on contending clubs the past couple years. It’s possible that the Pirates would use Frazier as a thrown in piece for a package deal.
David Bednar: Following back-to-back All-Star campaigns, David Bednar had a season from hell in 2024, with a 5.77 ERA.
After scuffling in three games during the Pirates’ opening series of the season against the Miami Marlins, Bednar was optioned to AAA Indianapolis.
Since being recalled from Indy on April 19th, the Pittsburgh native has looked good, registering a 1.80 ERA.
If Bednar were to return anywhere near the level of his All-Star form, then he certainly could be on the block.
Dennis Santana: While the Pirates’ bullpen mostly underperformed last season, Dennis Santana became a bright spot for them. Claimed off waivers from the New York Yankees, Santana dazzled, to the tune of a 2.44 ERA.
In the early portion of 2025, Santana is in the closer role for the Pirates. In his first 16 appearances, he’s put up a 2.35 ERA, along with a 0.98 WHIP.
Santana is owed just $1.4 million this year, and is under team control through next season, so he could bring back a nice, return, if the Pirates decide to sell high.
Joey Bart: Looking to add catching depth, the Bucs acquired former top prospect Joey Bart from the San Francisco Giants a year ago.
Bart provided quite a spark, to a lackluster, Pirates’ offense in ‘24, as he slashed .265/.337/.462, while hitting 13 homers, and posting a 2.1 oWAR.
So far this season, Bart has done a terrific, job reaching base, with a strong, .412 OBP, However, the power hasn’t been there, as he’s only putting up a slugging percentage of .378.
Behind the plate, Bart’s blocking ability and pitch framing have both received negative reviews.
It’ll be interesting to see how much interest Bart will garner from other teams as a catcher. Perhaps there’s a chance that he’s viewed as an inexpensive, DH option.
Least likely candidates:
Bryan Reynolds: Signed by the Pirates to a $106.75 million dollar extension, in April of 2023, Bryan Reynolds has been a catalyst for the lineup.
It’s been a brutal start to ‘25 for the switch-hitting Reynolds, slashing only .215/.276/.342, in 174 plate appearances.
When factoring in his below average defense, he’s got a bWAR and fWAR of -0.7 and -0.3 respectively.
Reynolds has a history of slow starts, and typically heats up, as the season progresses. Even if that were the case this year, the Pirates still probably consider Reynolds as a vital piece of their offense moving forward.
Mitch Keller: In February of 2024, the Pirates made Mitch Keller the richest pitcher in franchise history by inking him to five-year extension worth $77 million.
Aside from being able to cover innings, Keller has led all of MLB in strike outs looking since the start of 2023.
Through his first eight starts of this season, the 29-year-old righty has an ERA of 4.40, but a better 3.68 FIP.
Given the amount of arms in the Pirates’ system, who are MLB ready, one can make a valid case that Keller should be expendable, as a way to add much needed bats. The problem however would seem to be the Pirates overvaluing Keller as a #2 pitcher in the rotation, where as contenders with better pitching staffs, probably see more as an above average fourth starter. Because of this, it appears doubtful that the Bucs would get that big time haul for Keller.