Pittsburgh Pirates: Three Under-the-Radar Trade Chips

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Jul 3, 2021; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates left fielder Ben Gamel (18) celebrates his solo home run in the dugout against the Milwaukee Brewers during the eighth inning at PNC Park. The Brewers won 11-2. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

Outfielder Ben Gamel

The Pittsburgh Pirates acquired Ben Gamel in early May after he was designated for assignment by the Cleveland Indians. Gamel’s overall numbers this season are nothing special. In 156 plate appearances Gamel is hitting for a .225/.297/.391 slash line to go with an ISO of .167 and an 89 wRC+.

Since joining the Pirates, however, Gamel has been a much better hitter. His struggles early in the season with the Indians is what has led to Gamel have poor overall numbers thus far in the 2021 season.

Gamel is hitting for a .242/.304/.419 slash line to go with a .177 ISO and an wRC+ of 98. Gamel has drawn walks at an 8.6% rate with the Pirates to go with a 9.4% extra base hit rate in 139 PAs in the black and gold.

A veteran outfielder who can play all three outfield spots while providing some left-handed pop is something teams in the postseason race will value. Gamel can also play first base which also adds to his value.

While the odds are low that Gamel would garner interest as an every day player for a contending team, he could provide a ton of value as a fourth outfielder and a reserve first baseman. Gamel can also add value as a pinch-hitter and a left-handed bat off the bench. It would not be a surprise to see the Pittsburgh Pirates swing a deal involving Gamel by the end of July.

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