MLB Insider Names Pirates' Single Biggest Trade Priority Ahead of Deadline

Updated: Sep 10, 5:00pm UTC

It's safe to say this will not be the season in which the Pittsburgh Pirates break a playoff drought that spans the last six years. They currently sit 12.5 games back of first place in the NL Central with a 33-48 record. Manager Derek Shelton's team has all the makings of a seller at the MLB trade deadline.

Pittsburgh Pirates Trade Rumors

The Pirates have a number of veterans they could part ways with before August arrives, including reliever Chris Stratton or outfielder Ben Gamel. ESPN's David Schoenfield sees one starting pitcher on an expiring deal as the top trade chip, though. That would be 11-year pro Jose Quintana.

Quintana is making $2 million this season, which paints him as an affordable option for contenders in need of rotation help. The 33-year-old isn't going to provide complete game shutouts at this point, but he is capable of eating five innings as a starter of being a reliable long reliever in the playoffs.

Keep in mind Quintana owns a 3.33 ERA and 1.28 WHIP across 16 starts. Those would be his best marks since 2017 if the season were to end today. He has also allowed only 7 home runs in 81.0 innings pitched, showcasing his ability to induce ground balls (44.2%) has stayed steady in his career.

Schoenfield mentioned that outfielder Bryan Reynolds could be on the market, too. However, it would take a blockbuster package to acquire him given he is under team control through 2025. For now, the Pirates have odds set at +500000 to win the World Series, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.

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