Five Trade Deadline Targets For The Pittsburgh Pirates

Aug 18, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates general manager Neal Huntington reacts while watching batting practice before the Pirates host the Atlanta Braves at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 18, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates general manager Neal Huntington reacts while watching batting practice before the Pirates host the Atlanta Braves at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jul 2, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Padres starting pitcher Drew Pomeranz (13) pitches against the New York Yankees during the first inning at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 2, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Padres starting pitcher Drew Pomeranz (13) pitches against the New York Yankees during the first inning at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /

Left-handed starting pitcher Drew Pomeranz

Left-handed starting pitcher Drew Pomeranz is having a great season for the San Diego Padres. The 27-year-old is putting together what has been by far the best season of his Major League career. For a lot of reasons, Pomeranz would be a great fit in the Pittsburgh Pirates starting rotation.

The Pittsburgh Pirates starting rotation has gotten crowded with Chad Kuhl, Jameson Taillon, and Tyler Glasnow being promoted to the Major Leagues. However, some of those options, ahem Jon Niese and Jeff Locke, are not exactly good options. Combine that with the struggles of Francisco Liriano this season, and the Pirates could use another starting pitcher still.

In 102 innings pitched this season Drew Pomeranz has a 2.47 ERA, a career best 3.18 FIP, and a 3.66 xFIP. Pomeranz is also averaging a career best 10.15 K/9, his 0.71 HR/9 is the lowest of his career, and his 3.62 BB/9, while high, is not terrible either. Mix in Pomeranz being a left-handed pitcher, and he would be a great fit for PNC Park and the Pittsburgh Pirates.

The price tag on Drew Pomeranz would be a bit higher than some other starting pitchers on the market, but it would be worthwhile. Drew Pomeranz is under team control for the next three seasons, which raises his trade value. The San Diego Padres are in full-fledged sell mode, but they are not just going to give Pomeranz away.

Moving forward, a starting rotation anchored by Gerrit Cole, Jameson Taillon, Tyler Glasnow, and Drew Pomeranz for at least the next three seasons after 2016 is a very enticing thought. Plus, Pomeranz would help the 2016 Pittsburgh Pirates quite a bit as well.

Next: A Left-Handed Relief Pitcher