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.

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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Pirates AL Central Trade Target:
Spencer Torkelson

The Pirates acquired Spencer Horwitz to fix their issues at first base. Horwitz is coming off a strong rookie season where he had a wRC+ of nearly 130 in 381 plate appearances. However, he notably struggled against lefty pitchers. Although he’ll have plenty of time and opportunities to absolve some of his issues against LHP, the Pirates could try and mitigate some of his problems by bringing in a right-handed platoon partner - this time in the form of a former first overall pick, Spencer Torkelson.

Torkelson is coming off a very rough year where he batted .219/.295/.374 with a .295 wOBA and 92 wRC+ in 381 plate appearances. He struck out at a poor 27.6% rate and hit just 10 home runs with a .155 isolated slugging percentage. Torkelson’s 8.7% walk rate and 89 MPH exit velocity were above average, but were two of the only positives from his season with the bat. He still had a poor 6.7% barrel percentage as well.

Still, Torkelson had a 31 home run/108 wRC+ campaign in 2023. One thing that has remained consistent throughout his career is his ability to hit left-handed pitching. Torkelson has a career .227/.297/.470 line against LHP. Even last season, he had a .798 OPS and a slugging percentage above .500 vs. lefties (albeit in less than 100 plate appearances). Torkelson also ended the year on a high note, posting a 125 wRC+ after he got called back up to the Major Leagues in mid-August after a stint at Triple-A.

Tork’s defense at first base hasn’t been pretty. He has -12 defensive runs saved and -9 outs above average with a -3.6 UZR/150 throughout his career. On the positive side, he is coming off his best year with the glove. He graded out positively in the eyes of DRS at +1 and was only slightly below average in terms of OAA at -1 and UZR/150 at -1.1.

With the Tigers adding Gleyber Torres, which moves Colt Keith to first base, Torkelson doesn’t have a good spot on the Tigers’ roster. They may be willing to sell (extremely) low on the former first overall pick. If that’s the case, the Pirates could have an opportunity to add a very low-risk/high-reward platoon partner for Horwitz.

Other notables: Joey Cantillo, Triston McKenzie, Luis Robert

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