Selling Point: Pittsburgh Pirates Who Could Get Traded At The Deadline

PITTSBURGH, PA - JULY 06: Corey Dickerson #12 of the Pittsburgh Pirates hits an RBI ground-rule double in the first inning during the game against the Milwaukee Brewers at PNC Park on July 6, 2019 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - JULY 06: Corey Dickerson #12 of the Pittsburgh Pirates hits an RBI ground-rule double in the first inning during the game against the Milwaukee Brewers at PNC Park on July 6, 2019 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images) /
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ST. LOUIS, MO – MAY 12: Francisco Liriano #47 of the Pittsburgh Pirates pitches in the ninth inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium on May 12, 2019 in St. Louis, Missouri. The Pirates defeated the Cardinals 10-6. (Photo by Michael B. Thomas /Getty Images)
ST. LOUIS, MO – MAY 12: Francisco Liriano #47 of the Pittsburgh Pirates pitches in the ninth inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium on May 12, 2019 in St. Louis, Missouri. The Pirates defeated the Cardinals 10-6. (Photo by Michael B. Thomas /Getty Images) /

LHP Francisco Liriano

Like Cabrera, 14-year veteran Francisco Liriano came aboard on a minor league contract prior to this year. Believed to be competing for a rotation spot at first, the 35-year-old left-hander wound up in a bullpen role, one that he has found relative success in to this point.

In 47 games out of the bullpen, Liriano has logged 49 innings (leads PIT relievers), striking out 46 batters to go along with a 3.12 ERA. A starter for practically his whole career, Liriano has made a  smoother transition than some may have anticipated into the bullpen, providing some stability ahead of Vazquez.

The obvious move is to trade Liriano to any contender looking for inexpensive bullpen help, for which there will be many. He won’t garner a great haul, as he’s a pending free agent and 35-year-old reliever, but teams desperate for bullpen arms could end up overpaying.

Potential Destinations: BOS, CHC, MIL, CLE

Verdict: Highly Likely