Pittsburgh Pirates: Rule 5 Eligible Prospects Who Could be Traded

Altoona's Cal Mitchell (5) reacts to a call as the Binghamton Rumble Ponies lost to the Altoona Curve, 5-0, at the Ponies home opener on Tuesday, May 11, 2021.
Altoona's Cal Mitchell (5) reacts to a call as the Binghamton Rumble Ponies lost to the Altoona Curve, 5-0, at the Ponies home opener on Tuesday, May 11, 2021. /
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PITTSBURGH, PA – SEPTEMBER 28: Manager Derek Shelton of the Pittsburgh Pirates looks on during the game against the Chicago Cubs at PNC Park on September 28, 2021 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA – SEPTEMBER 28: Manager Derek Shelton of the Pittsburgh Pirates looks on during the game against the Chicago Cubs at PNC Park on September 28, 2021 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images) /

Due to Rule 5 Draft eligibility the Pittsburgh Pirates will face a 40-man roster crunch  this offseason that could lead to them looking to trade prospects

A 40-man roster crunch is coming for the Pittsburgh Pirates. The organization has an abnormally large number of prospects who are Rule 5 Draft eligible this offseason. This is putting Ben Cherington and company in a position to need to clear room on the 40-man roster.

Another issue here is that the Pittsburgh Pirates will want to leave 40-man roster space for offseason additions. While the Pirates are not yet ready to compete and will not be looking to spend big this offseason, odds are, they will still be looking to add to the starting rotation and the bullpen this offseason. The Pirates could also use middle infield help and a new backup catcher this offseason.

Due to the conundrum the Pirates find themselves in they could look to trade some Rule 5 Draft eligible. With a lack of 40-man roster spots to go around trading these prospects would allow Cherington to add something to the organization over taking the risk of losing these prospects for nothing.