The Pittsburgh Pirates were swept in a three-game series this past weekend by the Chicago Cubs. The sweep left the Bucs 5.5 games back of the, division leading, Cubs and 3.5 games back in the wild card race. Meanwhile, the series made postseason optimism for the Pirate greatly fade. 

In my opinion, it was the most advantageous outcome.

In a shortsighted view, that does not make sense. The Pirates losing does not help them, which is correct. The current Pirates were not aided by getting swept. However, the current Pirates needed a hard look in the mirror to keep them on track for the future.

Every team currently in front of the Pirates are either performing at a high level or have reason to believe they can get better.  However, the Pirates do not have a reason to feel the same.

Division Race

Take a look at the teams ahead of the Pirates in the division. The St. Louis Cardinals are not currently playing at a high level. However, they still have one of the most talented lineups in baseball.

Matt Carpenter and Paul Goldschmidt are both batting over 100 points below their career OPS. Also, Marcell Ozuna and Yadier Molina are both currently on the injured list and should return in July. The currently hold a 2.5 game lead over the Bucs and should only get better.

Then at the top of the division are the aforementioned Chicago Cubs. They had one glaring flaw with their team and it was the bullpen. So with their, seemingly unlimited, resources they went out on the market and signed closer Craig Kimbrel mid-season.

Two of Kimbrel’s first three appearances this season were terrible. He came in against the then scorching hot Pirates and gave up five earned runs in 1.2 innings of work. However, since then he has settled in and has only given up one base runner in his last two outings. Kimbrel’s reputation would lead to believe that he will only get better as the season goes on.

The final team ahead of the Pirates in the National League Central, currently sitting in second place, are the Milwaukee Brewers. I would argue that their hitters actually have peaked and their pitching needs way too many pieces for them to make a real run in the playoffs. However, they did make the NLCS just last year so they will add at the deadline and should improve, albeit not enough.

Wild Card Race

The Pirates currently sit behind seven teams in the wild card race. With there now being two spots, they would need to jump six of these teams. 

Two of the teams ahead of the Pirates play in the National League East. The East was expected to be the best division in baseball this year, and they are starting to play like it. Since June 1, the Washington Nationals are 25-10. They are sitting on top of the Wild Card standings, but are still seven games back of the Atlanta Braves. With how both teams are playing it looks like the Nats will have to settle for a wild card spot, making it harder for the Pirates to take one.

The Philadelphia Phillies follow the Nationals in the standings and are 1.5 games back. They are not playing at their highest level, but there is reason to believe they will get better. 

Superstar outfielder, and high profile offseason acquisition, Bryce Harper has not lived up to his potential yet this season. They should be able to add some outfield help in a market where every other team is looking for pitching. Additionally, ace Aaron Nola has also appeared to regain his effectiveness, with a 2.94 ERA in his last 10 starts.

The next two teams in the wild card standings are the Brewers and Cardinals, mentioned above. Also, there are currently three teams from the West in front of the Pirates competing for the Wild Card. I believe the Pirates have the ability to pass each of these teams. However, even if they pass all three there are still too many other teams they would have to jump who should just get better as the season wears on.

Current State of the Pirates

Meanwhile, the Pirates should not expect to perform much better than they have all season. Josh Bell cannot keep up the pace he was on. Additionally, ace pitcher Jameson Taillon does not yet have a timetable to return. I am beyond considering Gregory Polanco a major impact player so the Pirates do not have any expectation of major impact players returning off of the Injured List.

Hopefully, then, the Pirates consider themselves true sellers with 16 days left before the trade deadline. They have to be comfortable trading both Melky Cabrera and Corey Dickerson, who are both on expiring contracts. They should also explore trading Starling Marte.

Additionally, if the Pirates are known to be sellers, they may receive offers on players they would not even expect. Perhaps Francisco Cervelli even has some trade value somewhere. Regardless, the sweep by the Cubs should make the Pirates feel like true sellers and that is what is best for this team right now and in the future.

Go into next season with a strong core of Bell, Bryan Reynolds, Kevin Newman, Colin Moran, Taillon, Trevor Williams and Joe Musgrove. Potentially you also have bullpen and starting pitching help that you acquired from trades you make this deadline.

This past series in Chicago proved to me that this particular team does not have what it takes. Only a handful of teams do every year and sometimes you need to take a hard look in the mirror and realize it’s not your year.

Instead of making a trade that is a detriment to the future, like the Archer acquisition, take this year’s deadline to build for next year.

PHOTO: Chicago Cubs’ Kris Bryan, right, scores against Pittsburgh Pirates’ Elias Diaz, left, during the eight inning Friday July 12, 2019 in Chicago (Associated Press)

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