The Pittsburgh Pirates do not have an abundance of major league talent. They also do not have an overstock of prospects.  Currently, they have four players in the MLB Top 100 prospects list, which is about average.

Therefore, I do not see the Pirates being extremely active at this trade deadline. However, several moves make sense.

First and foremost, the Pirates should be sellers. Coming out of the All-Star break, they have lost five of six games to division rivals. Additionally, their schedule leading up to the deadline does not get any easier, aside from an away series against the Mets at the end of the month.

Outfield Abundance

The only abundant position for the Pirates at the major league level is the outfield. Even with Gregory Polanco still injured, Jason Martin proved earlier in the season he is ready to fill in when called upon.

The Pirates should use this wealth of talent to build their farm system. Corey Dickerson and Melky Cabrera, who are each on expiring contracts, should be the first to go. The Pirates should also field offers for Starling Marte.

Phillies

The prime candidate for one, or both, of the expiring outfielders is the Philadelphia Phillies. Earlier in the season, outfielder, and former Pirate, Andrew McCutchen went down with a season-ending knee injury. Also, Odubel Herrera was suspended for the remainder of this season because he violated baseball’s domestic violence policies.

The Phillies need outfielders and the Pirates have a couple to deal. I believe the Pirates should target a pitcher. The Phillies have five pitching prospects in their top 30 prospects list. It would be difficult to get right-hander Adonis Medina who is the Phillies top pitching prospect, while also being the nation’s 77th best.

If the Pirates could swing a trade for Medina it’d be a huge win. However, I believe, a trade involving Medina would require a return including Marte.

If Cabrera or Dickerson were the ones leaving, the Pirates should be satisfied with any one of Spencer Howard, Enyel De Los Santos, Jojo Romero or Francisco Morales. Meanwhile, Morales is the youngest at 19 and has performed decently at single A this season with a 3.90 ERA. The only guy with actual major league experience is De Los Santos who had a short stint and did not perform well. He is also the oldest of the bunch at 23.

The Pirates should be satisfied to get any of these four pitchers. They should also be satisfied with any combination of the Phillies Top 30 prospects since Dickerson and Cabrera are walking at the end of the season anyway. Regardless, a trade with the Phillies should happen by July 31.

Indians

Another team that could potentially look for offensive help is one the Pirates have dealt with recently. The Cleveland Indians currently have a starting outfield of Jordan Luplow, Orlando Mercado and Tyler Naquin. Each one of these guys are just average hitters, and not stars. Also, the Indians run total on the year has them ranked only 21st in the league.

However, the Indians have a great rotation and one of the best closers in the league in Brad Hand. They never feel out of it. Meanwhile, starters Trevor Bauer, Mike Clevinger and Shane Bieber could lead any team to a playoff series win.

If the Pirates could get multiple prospects I believe they would be satisfied with any two from the pitching group of Luis Oviedo, Ethan Hankins, Sam Hentges, Lenny Torres or Zach Plesac. They would also be satisfied with catching prospect Bo Naylor. However, I do not see the Indians moving him.

It would also take Marte and much more to get Indians top pitching prospect Triston McKenzie, who is ranked 34th in the league. I also don’t see this happening.

Felipe Vazuez

Another trade that may happen would take the Pirates being blown away by an offer for Felipe Vazquez. Personally, I would only want to see this if the return was beyond favorable. Not only is Vazquez one of the best closers in the league, but he is also one of the cheapest.

Everyone in the league needs bullpen help. However, only several suitors will feel they are in the position to give up the return required and win the World Series this year.

Dodgers

The four targeted Dodger prospects are catcher Keibert Ruiz, middle infielder Gavin Lux, pitcher Dustin May and catcher Will Smith. Each are on major league’s Top 100 prospect list. I think the Pirates should settle for nothing less than two of the players above and more.

Unfortunately for the Pirates, the Los Angeles are going to win their division with ease and most likely cruise into the NLCS once again. Also, there are plenty of other sellers that could help out the Dodgers at less cost. They do not necessarily need a closer either since they have Kenley Jansen solidly holding down the spot.

Fortunately, holding on to Vazquez is a win in itself.

Rays

One team that could feel they are in a position to win a title are the Tampa Bay Rays. They are currently first in the American League Wild Card race and have a very solid pitching staff. They also have the second best farm system per MLB.com. Furthermore, their current closer Emilio Pagan has not been very good. He has blown five saves and has only converted six.

Based on what the reported ask from the Dodgers would be, the Pirates would look to get at least two of the group consisting of Brendan McKay, Jesus Sanchez, Matthew Liberatore and Brent Honeywell.

I don’t see the Rays giving up McKay, who is a two-way player and has already seen success at the big league level. So, the Rays would most likely have to be willing to give up both Liberatore and Honeywell, their second and third best pitching prospects.

Sell, sell, sell

Regardless, the Pirates must sell off some of their overstocked goods. The current team is not good enough to win a division or even secure a Wild Card spot.

Ace pitcher Jameson Taillion is getting older and the bullpen needs replenished. The core that makes up the current window only has about two to three more years together. They are in a good spot to play .500 ball through the rest of 2019 and still stock up on potential pieces for the future.

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