Ben Cherington pumps brakes on Pirates trade deadline overreaction

A bad weekend can feel like a crisis in the middle of a playoff race. Fortunately for the Pittsburgh Pirates, Ben Cherington doesn't seem interested in treating it like one.

After the Pirates introduced first-round pick Derek Curiel Sunday at PNC Park, Cherington spent most of his media availability discussing the trade deadline. And with Pittsburgh stumbling through an important homestand just days before decisions have to be made, the obvious question was whether the results could alter his approach.

“Hopefully not,” Cherington said. “I think we’re at a point in the season now where we have a pretty good foundation. We know a lot about the team.”

That is exactly how the Pirates should be approaching this. One ugly series shouldn't suddenly turn them from buyers into sellers. Likewise, a three-game winning streak shouldn't convince them that the roster is complete. They have played enough baseball by late July to know what this team is, where its strengths are and where the obvious holes remain.

Cherington said it would be “hard to imagine” anything happening over the next week that would dramatically shift the organization’s outlook.

“I think it’s pretty clear what we’re gonna try to do,” he said.

Now comes the important part: actually doing it.

Ben Cherington pushes back on Pirates trade deadline narrative, affirms financial flexibility

Perhaps the most encouraging portion of Cherington’s comments was his answer when asked about the financial aspect of the trade deadline. He didn't hide behind payroll limitations or suggest ownership would restrict what the front office could pursue. That removes one potential excuse.

Cherington also made it clear the Pirates are willing to explore just about every avenue. Rentals are on the table. Controllable players are on the table. Even significant prospects could be involved, with Cherington saying the organization tries not to live in the “untouchable world.”

The Pirates have spent years building prospect depth with the promise that eventually it would help them construct a contender. That means recognizing when the major-league club has earned reinforcements, and Cherington acknowledged the importance of the opportunity in front of him.

The Pirates shouldn't overreact to one homestand, but they also can't waste an entire season because they were too cautious to act.

Cherington says the money is available. He says the prospects are available. And he says this team has a legitimate chance to play in October. Now the deadline will show just how seriously he means it.

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