PITTSBURGH -- The Pirates are as close to snapping the longest postseason drought in the National League as they have been in a decade. With a 50-47 record at the All-Star break, Pittsburgh is over .500 at this point for the first time since 2016.
The Bucs are two games out of the last NL Wild Card spot, and have plenty of room to upgrade.
“I’ve said we believe in this team and we want to find ways to improve it,” general manager Ben Cherington said. “We know some of that has to happen internally. We’ve wanted to keep our eyes out externally for opportunities to improve, strengthen and deepen our roster. That can happen anytime, that can happen any day.”
- Record at the break: 50-47 (Fourth in NL Central, 9 1/2 games back)
- Record at the break last year: 39-58 (Fifth in NL Central, 18 1/2 games back)
- Playoff odds: 40.1%
- Remaining strength of schedule: .509 (7th hardest in MLB)
Cherington spoke this past Wednesday about the Deadline, just one day after shortstop Konnor Griffin hit the injured list. With Griffin and Jared Triolo, Cherington said shortstop was probably not an area the club was focused on. While having faith in Triolo, Cherington said they’ll be more open-minded to upgrading the position. Then, Cherington sent the No. 34 pick in the MLB Draft to the White Sox on Friday in a deal to acquire shortstop option Jacob Gonzalez.
Cherington also sees Pittsburgh’s outfield defense as a possible place to upgrade. The Pirates sacrificed offensive production in the offseason for decreased defensive output, resulting in a minus-12 fielding run value thus far. Oneil Cruz will return from a fractured left hand after the All-Star break, but he also has a minus-2 fielding run value in center field.
Historically, with a recent stretch of being out of postseason contention before August, the Pirates have been sellers at the Trade Deadline. Pittsburgh most notably dealt closer David Bednar to the Yankees hours before the 2025 Deadline, receiving three prospects in return. Pittsburgh also acquired Evan Sisk and Callan Moss in a deal with the Royals in exchange for Bailey Falter, while trading Ke’Bryan Hayes to Cincinnati for prospect Sammy Stafura.
The performance in 16 games between Tuesday’s All-Star Game and the Aug. 3 Trade Deadline will play a key factor in how aggressive the Pirates are as buyers. Spencer Horwitz, Cruz and Endy Rodríguez are expected back soon after the All-Star break, which would act as in-house additions to an already superb offense.
Pittsburgh’s starting rotation has held up well, with the exception of Mitch Keller’s 5.14 ERA in 19 starts. It’s the bullpen that will need the most help. Wilber Dotel will return from the injured list shortly after the break, while Sisk is also expected back at some point.
Still, the Pirates have been unable to find many reliable arms in relief, and have posted a collective 4.48 bullpen ERA -- fourth worst in the NL.
Acquiring right-handed talent, or anyone of ability in high leverage, would slide Gregory Soto around and give manager Don Kelly more flexibility in the late innings.
Biggest need
Brandon Eisert’s addition will give Pittsburgh four reliable lefties when Sisk returns from the IL. The Pirates still desire consistent righties in the late innings, as Dennis Santana hasn’t found consistency all season.
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Biggest chip
This one might come as a surprise. While the Pirates have plenty of prospect options to deal, they could dig into their big league roster to acquire more pitching. Horwitz is under club control through 2028, and with the emergence of Esmerlyn Valdez in right field, Ryan O’Hearn could be better suited for first base. That would make Horwitz an intriguing chip with great value.
Key player for second half
Before missing over a month with fractures in his left hand, Cruz was on a historic 40-home run, 60-stolen base pace. Only Ronald Acuña Jr. has completed the feat. Already with a top offense in MLB, Cruz would only add fuel to the fire.
Determining factor
Can the Pirates continue to stay in the NL Wild Card race with top bats still on the IL? Entering the All-Star break, five NL teams are within five games of the final Wild Card spot. The Pirates are right in the mix, though they’ll have to survive series against current postseason teams, including the Guardians, Yankees and Cubs, likely with Cruz, Horwitz and Rodríguez still sidelined. If this past weekend against the Brewers was any indication, Pittsburgh should be just fine.