With reliever Richard Rodríguez garnering interest from the Toronto Blue Jays on the trade market, who could the Pittsburgh Pirates potentially target in any trade talks circles around Rodríguez
The beginning of July is finally among us, which marks an almost holiday-like atmosphere for Pittsburgh Pirates fans as it is when trade rumors really start heating up as the trade deadline day of July 30th inches closer and closer.
A team showing interest in Richard Rodríguez is the Toronto Blue Jays. Robert Murray, a former guest on the Rum Bunter podcast, broke the news that the market for Rodríguez was gaining more traction but the Jays are one of those teams that want him.
Rodríguez has been posting career highs in several different categories this season with the Pittsburgh Pirates such as WHIP, ERA, FIP, and opponent’s batting average. Not only is he performing at a career-high level, but Rich Rod also is under team control for three more seasons as 2022 is his first arbitration year. These two things combined make him the perfect trade target for any competitive team that needs help in the pen.
Let’s take a look at a few potential positional and pitching prospects that the Pittsburgh Pirates may try to target if a deal was to get done between them and the Blue Jays.