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 3, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Twins relief pitcher Fernando Abad (58) throws a pitch during the eighth inning against the Texas Rangers at Target Field. The Twins won 5-4. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 3, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Twins relief pitcher Fernando Abad (58) throws a pitch during the eighth inning against the Texas Rangers at Target Field. The Twins won 5-4. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports /

Left-handed reliever Fernando Abad

The Pittsburgh Pirates bullpen only has one left-handed pitcher, and that is a problem. When you consider this lone left-handed reliever is Pirate set-up man Tony Watson, and the problem grows. Right now the Pittsburgh Pirates do not have a left-handed pitcher in the bullpen that Clint Hurdle can go to in the fifth or sixth inning of a game.

This is what makes Fernando Abad a trade target for the Pittsburgh Pirates. The Minnesota Twins were expected to compete this season, but have been an utter train wreck. Due to this, the Twins are willing to trade a lot of pieces this summer. This included left-handed reliever Fernando Abad.

This season Abad has a 2.83 ERA, 3.63 FIP, he has allowed just two home runs, and he is averaging 8.16 K/9. However, Abad’s control is worrisome as he is averaging 4.08 BB/9 this season. Fernando Abad is also a left specialist, hence having appeared in 34 games and having just 28 2/3 inning pitched, but Antonio Bastardo had this same moniker before coming to the Pirates last season.

Fernando Abad is a player that would fill a need for the Pittsburgh Pirates. The Pirates could really use a second left-handed reliever in their bullpen, especially with how left-handed hitting heavy the National League Central Division is. I would not be surprised to see the Pittsburgh Pirates tied to Fernando Abad in the coming weeks.

Next: Right-Handed Starting Pitching Help