Rum Bunter Radio: Pittsburgh Pirates Trade Deadline Recap & More

The deadline came and the prospects did as well for the Pittsburgh Pirates

Although this year the return for Ben Cherington and the Pittsburgh Pirates for their most valuable trade pieces had a different look, an older one. In this episode of Rum Bunter Radio the crew returns to recap a hectic few weeks in the world of Pirate baseball.

After several years of regression and a career that looked all but over, José Quintana signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates this past offseason in hope of a fresh start. For the Pirates it was a veteran starter that was worth the risk: allow him to eat innings and hopefully when it’s all said and done he becomes a trade chip come August.

That is exactly what unfolded in the 412 for Quintana, although the trade partner was truly the unexpected part. The division rival St. Louis Cardinals dealt Pittsburgh a top ten prospect in Malcolm Nuñez and right-handed pitcher Johan Oviedo in exchange for the 33-year-old veteran Quintana, and another pitcher who revitalized his career in the ‘Burgh, Chris Stratton.

The lead up to this trade had some Pirate fans remembering back to last year’s deadline when the team got an arguably unfair return for Tyler Anderson who had a similar run in Pittsburgh as Quintana. This go-round brings better names and older prospects to the organization, and will allow Jose the opportunity to chase a division title.

While this deal was the most anticipated and ultimately the most exciting for Pirates fans this deadline, important trades began several days before August. The crew breaks down the Daniel Vogelbach trade, and evaluates what the young dominant reliever Colin Holderman will bring to the club.

As the show rolls on, so does the trade talks, but the conversation shifts to a national scale specifically to the Juan Soto trade and how it will affect the future of the game. Will baseball resemble the NBA more than its future self in the coming years?

Who’s to say, but one thing is for sure; the Pirates farm system is loaded, and that’s where the episode wraps up with excitement for Endy Rodriguez and worry for Liover Peguero.

Batten down the hatches, clear the decks and enjoy this episode of Rum Bunter Radio!