Pirates might’ve found desperate suitor for Andrew Heaney in former team

The MLB trade deadline is less the 48 hours away and the rumors just keep on coming. While there is some uncertainty on whether or not Mitch Keller will be dealt, the Pirates still have a starter that is definitely going to be on the move soon.

Andrew Heaney is on an expiring contract and his market is finally picking up some steam.

Jon Heyman of the New York Post reported that the New York Yankees have shown interest in Heaney, among many other Pirates. The Yankees have been the most active ahead of the deadline, acquiring two bats in Ryan McMahon and Amed Rosario. Now their focus has shifted to upgrading their pitching staff.

Yankees may be getting desperate enough for pitching help to trade for Pirates' Andrew Heaney

They have also been linked to Keller, but there is no clear decision on what the plan is with him. With that in mind, the Yankees might be getting desperate for an answer for their rotation depth, and a reunion with Heaney is now a possibility. Heaney previously played for New York in the second half of 2021 and struggled tremendously, drawing the ire of the fanbase.

Heaney is having a slightly better season than the last time the Yankees acquired him. On the year, the left-hander has a 4.79 ERA with a 5.18 FIP and a 6.56 K/9. When New York picked up him, he had a 5.27 ERA with a 4.06 FIP. So we're not sure what they're looking for here.

Although he has experienced a cold stretch that has tanked his trade value a ton, Heaney could still be a productive acquisition for a team that needs an inning eater. Nonetheless, this still won't be a deal that solves the Pirates' offensive woes.

The most Pittsburgh will get out of Heaney is a lower-ranked prospect. From the Yankees, Pittsburgh may be able to land Ben Shields, New York's 29th-ranked prospect. The 26-year-old southpaw resides in Double-A and still puts up solid numbers. He has battled some injuries and has still generated a 3.03 ERA with a 2.69 FIP this season.

That's about the best anybody can hope for in regards to Heaney's market at this point.