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One Pittsburgh Pirates trade candidate from each American League division

A look at one trade target in each MLB division for the Pirates, starting with the American League.

ByNoah Wright|
Aug 30, 2024; Anaheim, California, USA; Los Angeles Angels left fielder Taylor Ward (3) runs after hitting a solo home run against the Seattle Mariners during the first inning at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Aug 30, 2024; Anaheim, California, USA; Los Angeles Angels left fielder Taylor Ward (3) runs after hitting a solo home run against the Seattle Mariners during the first inning at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images | Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
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The Pittsburgh Pirates still have work to do to complete their offseason. Although there are some free agents that would fit the Pirates’ current needs and budget, they have enough resources in the farm system to make an impactful trade instead.

They have enough pitching in the system that they could acquire nearly anybody, as long as their trade partner is willing to take a young hurler as the headliner in a deal. On top of that, there are still plenty of potential trade opportunities out there for the Bucs. It's time to go division-by-division, looking at a potential trade target from each division in Major League Baseball, starting off with the American League.

Pirates AL East Trade Target:
Pete Fairbanks

The Tampa Bay Rays have already sold off many of their pieces over the last year. Randy Arozarena was shipped out at the trade deadline, as was Isaac Parades. They also traded reliever Jason Adam at the deadline and have since traded Jeffrey Springs. The next Rays pitcher who could potentially get moved is Pete Fairbanks.

Fairbanks had a 3.57 ERA, 3.50 FIP, and 1.17 WHIP across 45.1 innings of work last season. His 23.8% K% was above average, but represented a departure from the typically high strikeout percentages he usually puts up. His 9.2% walk rate wasn’t very impressive, but he limited home runs well with an 0.79 HR/9 ratio. Although Fairbanks induced a subpar 89.1 MPH exit velocity, he carried a strong 5.6% barrel percentage.

Fairbanks has had better years in the past. In 2023, he had a sub-3.00 ERA and FIP while striking out 37% of batters faced. He had an even more impressive 3.3% barrel percentage and 85.7 MPH exit velo in an identical 45.1 innings pitched that season. While Stuff+ still put Fairbanks in high regard in 2024 at 122, he had a 133 mark the previous season. He isn’t a one-year rental, either. Fairbanks is controlled through 2025 and has a $7 million club option for 2026.

Fairbanks and David Bednar could be a strong late-inning duo in 2025. Plus, Fairbanks comes with experience as a closer if Bednar is injured and/or struggles again. This is his second straight season with at least 20 saves. The biggest thing to get over is the fear of trading with the Tampa Bay Rays. 

Other notable potential trade candidates: Heston Kjerstad, Triston Casas, Erik Swanson, Wilyer Abreu

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