{"id":103903,"date":"2025-07-10T23:28:14","date_gmt":"2025-07-11T03:28:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/?p=103903"},"modified":"2025-07-10T23:28:14","modified_gmt":"2025-07-11T03:28:14","slug":"pirates-sellers-buyers-trade-deadline","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/2025\/07\/10\/pirates-sellers-buyers-trade-deadline\/","title":{"rendered":"Rumor: Pirates Might Be Sellers and Buyers at Trade Deadline"},"content":{"rendered":"

Pittsburgh Pirates fans have become used to the annual exodus of expiring contracts at the trade deadline. However, there might be more to this coming deadline for the Pirates. There\u2019s speculation that general manager Ben Cherington may step outside of his comfort zone this time around. Specifically, the Pirates might be sellers and<\/em> buyers. In addition to the usual potential-free-agent-for-prospects deals, Cherington might acquire a hitter who might help the team for several years. That might mean a young hitter with the ever-attractive years of control. Or it might mean a more established hitter under a long-term deal, perhaps even a lucrative long-term deal, provided<\/em> Cherington could dump a similar contract (read: Ke\u2019Bryan Hayes<\/a>, Mitch Keller<\/a>, Bryan Reynolds<\/a>) to offset the cost.<\/p>\n

On his weekly radio show last Sunday, Cherington discussed the need for the team\u2019s offense to become more left-handed to take advantage of PNC Park. That wasn\u2019t necessarily a shocking revelation. His shortstop, Isiah Kiner-Falefa<\/a>, said as much<\/a> last month, and in any event, that\u2019s been obvious to even the most casual baseball observer. On Tuesday, the Pirates recalled<\/a> Jack Suwinski<\/a>, perhaps because of the need for more left-handed hitting. Or maybe just because.<\/p>\n

Pirates Might Seek Left-Handed Hitters at the Trade Deadline<\/h2>\n

With that in mind, let\u2019s look at some left-handed hitters who just might be had. This isn\u2019t to suggest that any of them are available or that the Pirates could swing a deal for them. Only the parties working the phones know these things. Thus, I won\u2019t suggest any mock trade proposals, either. Finally, I get it \u2013 Cherington\u2019s trades have mostly yielded disappointment. But let\u2019s do some window shopping for the Pirates anyway. Now, some possible trade partners:<\/p>\n

The Athletics<\/h3>\n

The Athletics are badly in need of pitching, with a 5.32 ERA team as of the close of Wednesday\u2019s action. Only the Colorado Rockies are worse. Last spring, the A\u2019s gave a seven-year, $65.5 million contract extension<\/a> to right fielder Lawrence Butler<\/a>. It seems they\u2019ll build their offense around Butler, Nick Kurtz<\/a>, and All-Star Jacob Wilson<\/a>.<\/p>\n

That might leave 23-year-old left-handed hitter Tyler Soderstrom<\/a> as the expendable party. Why would the A\u2019s part with him? Because they want to bring a good team to Las Vegas in 2028, they need pitching, and one has to give to get. He\u2019d be attractive to a team like the Pirates at the trade deadline because he has no free agency rights until 2030. So far in 2025, he\u2019s hitting .257\/.339\/.440, 15 HR, and 49 RBI.<\/p>\n

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Jul 10, 2025; West Sacramento, California, USA; Athletics left fielder Tyler Soderstrom (21) rounds the bases after hitting a three run home run during the first inning against the Atlanta Braves at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After spending 2023 and 2024 as a catcher\/first baseman\/designated hitter, in 2025, Soderstrom finally found a position. Playing left field, he\u2019s leading American League left fielders with six Fielding Runs Above Average (FRAA) and a 2.47 Range Factor per Nine Innings. Oddly, he\u2019s also been charged with -1 Defensive Runs Saved (DRS).<\/p>\n

Boston Red Sox<\/h3>\n

The Red Sox outfield suddenly became crowded last month when they promoted<\/a> Roman Anthony<\/a>, then baseball\u2019s No. 1 prospect. The Bosox were already fairly solid in the outfield, with Jarren Duran<\/a>, Ceddanne Rafaela<\/a>, and Wilyer Abreu<\/a>. Boston signed the gifted center fielder Rafaela to an eight-year, $50 million contract extension<\/a> last year. Anthony and Rafaela aren\u2019t going anywhere.<\/p>\n

Neither are Duran and Abreu, says their general manager Craig Breslow<\/a>. However, with the Red Sox sitting at 49-45, good for the last Wild Card spot in the American League, but just barely, they may listen to offers for one of the outfielders. Both bat left-handed. Abreu has more club control, making him more attractive to any trade partner. There were soft rumors that had Abreu headed to the Pirates last offseason. Could the Pirates make that happen this trade deadline?<\/p>\n

Right fielder Abreu, 26, is hitting .260\/.326\/.508, 18 HR, and 52 RBI. He\u2019s also a strong defender, who\u2019s made more than his share of highlight-reel catches. He\u2019s been credited with 12 FRAA and eight DRS so far. Like Soderstrom, he can\u2019t be a free agent until 2030.<\/p>\n