Pittsburgh Pirates: 3 More Starting Pitching Targets

The Pittsburgh Pirates continue to climb up the standings in the National League.  However, trades are starting to occur, and the Bucs need to add another starting pitcher.

As of today, the Pittsburgh Pirates are 3.5 games back of a National League Wild Card spot.  Furthermore, the team is within shouting distance of the Cubs in the NL Central being seven games back.  With so much momentum going in the right direction, now is the time for Neal Huntington to add something to this roster.  In doing so, the Pittsburgh Pirates organization could help regain some of the trust with their fans.

The team’s biggest need is really hard to pinpoint.  When looking at the lineup it appears relatively solid, other than maybe shortstop.  However, the team has Kevin Newman, one of their top prospects, in Triple-A.  So with Newman, there is no reason to look for a shortstop in this trade market.  So what does that leave?  Starting pitching.

Currently, the Pittsburgh Pirates starting staff has the 16th best ERA at 4.10.  Now, this could be worse, but middle of the pack is not what will help them make a push to get back into the playoffs.  However, it cannot be just a depth starting pitcher.  The team needs to get a controllable asset who they could pair with Jameson Taillon at the top of the rotation.  They do not necessarily need to add a bonafide number one, but a solid number two could be enough.  Adding a starting pitcher to the staff could help solidify the staff and give the team a true shot at making the playoffs.  So here are three more pitchers the Pittsburgh Pirates could pursue this trade deadline.