MLB rumors suggest Pirates could take advantage of contenders at trade deadline

The Pittsburgh Pirates find themselves in a prime position to cash in on one of the hottest markets this trade deadline. If the last few years have shown us anything, it's that contenders always need bullpen help and are willing to pay a premium for it.

This year looks no different, as rumors are beginning to swirl. The list of teams needing help in the bullpen is long, and while there will be other options on the market, the demand is likely to outpace the supply.

Pirates fans wish they were on the buying end rather than the selling end of the deadline spectrum; however, the way Pittsburgh's roster is currently constructed, they'll have plenty of ammunition to go out and swap relievers for players who will be a better long-term fit.

The biggest need the Pirates have is getting talented young hitters into the system. The teamstarted out dreadfully at the plate, and as the season has unfolded, it's been proven that talent, not luck, is the biggest deficiency here.

After a shocking demotion, David Bednar has rebounded and yet again looks like the dominant back-end arm he was from 2021-2023. The rebound couldn't have come at a better time, as the 30-year-old doesn't hit free agency until after next season, further enhancing his trade value.

Bednar isn't alone among options the Pirates can dangle at the deadline to take advantage of reliever-needy contenders, with at least two more relief maestros looking like premium chips. If they play this right, the Pirates could set themselves up very well for the future.

David Bednar and other Pirates relievers could bring in big hauls as contenders get desperate for bullpen help

Both of last year's World Series combatants find themselves in need of relievers. The Dodgers have seen their mighty-on-paper bullpen crumble under injuries and poor performance from key pieces like Tanner Scott, who owns a 4.11 ERA after signing a massive four-year, $72 million contract in the offseason.

The Yankees demoted the once-dominant Devin Williams from the closer role amid some wicked early-season struggles, and while he's been better of late, his replacement, Luke Weaver, has hit the injured list.

The Pirates' Pennsylvania brethren, the Philadelphia Phillies, were dealt a crushing blow to their bullpen when their closer, Jose Alvarado, was popped for PEDs last month, earning an 80-game ban and becoming ineligible for the postseason.

Several other contenders find themselves lacking in the late innings, while one of the presumptive top relief trade targets, Ryan Helsley, likely won't be moved after all in light of the Cardinals surpassing expectations to this point.

Many of the other top options on the market, like the Angels' Kenley Jansen who has posted a career-worst 4.37 ERA this season, the Orioles' Felix Bautista who hasn't fully returned to form following Tommy John surgery, and Aroldis Chapman of the Red Sox, who has a history of coming up short in big moments, leave something to be desired.

Bednar may highlight the relief chips the Pirates have to dangle, but he's not the only treasure in the Pirates' chest. Setup man Dennis Santana should garner a lot of attention, with an ERA of 2.00 to date. Like Bednar, he won't hit free agency until after next season, further increasing his value.

Lefty Caleb Ferguson will also garner attention from teams needing to add a southpaw to their bullpen mix. The 28-year-old is a free agent at season's end and has been a solid performer with a 3.18 ERA on the year.

Elsewhere on the roster, Pittsburgh has several desirable trade chips, making this deadline critical for the club's future. The relief market, however, almost always gets particularly hot and heavy, and the plethora of assets the Pirates can move here could give the team an incredible chance to change their future fortunes.