Pirates prep for trade deadline by sending pitcher to Orioles in cash deal

The Pittsburgh Pirates have completed a minor piece of roster housekeeping ahead of the MLB trade deadline, sending right-handed relief pitcher Cam Sanders to the Baltimore Orioles in exchange for cash considerations.

The Orioles announced the deal Monday when they transferred left-hander Keegan Akin to the 60-day injured list. That opened up a spot for Sanders on the 40-man roster, and the 29-year-old right-hander was then optioned to Triple-A.

Sanders had been designated for assignment by Pittsburgh last week after the Pirates acquired infielder Jacob Gonzalez and left-handed reliever Brandon Eisert from the Chicago White Sox. That trade required the Pirates to create space on their roster, and Sanders ultimately became the casualty.

Fortunately, rather than lose him on waivers without receiving anything in return, Pittsburgh was able to extract a small amount of cash from Baltimore.

Pirates offload Cam Sanders in trade with Orioles, hopefully previewing a larger roster shuffle for Pittsburgh

Sanders had been shuffled between Pittsburgh and Triple-A Indianapolis several times this season but struggled to establish himself as a dependable option in the Pirates’ bullpen. He made nine major-league appearances in 2026, allowing nine earned runs over 9.1 innings for an 8.68 ERA.

Control has been the central issue throughout Sanders’ professional career. He surrendered nine hits, issued 10 walks and recorded 13 strikeouts for the Pirates this season. Although his 27.1% strikeout rate represented a significant improvement from his first major-league stint, his 20.8% walk rate made it difficult for Pittsburgh to trust him in meaningful situations.

The Pirates originally signed Sanders to a minor-league contract last year after he spent his entire career in the Chicago Cubs’ organization. Sanders made his MLB debut with Pittsburgh late in the 2025 season, posting an 8.10 ERA in 6 2/3 innings while walking five batters and striking out four.

Sanders posted an 8.44 ERA across 15 appearances with the Pirates over the past two seasons, but his Triple-A performance has been far more encouraging. Sanders went 0-2 with a 2.96 ERA and one save in 22 relief appearances and one start for Indianapolis this season. He struck out an impressive 44 hitters in only 24.1 innings, showing the swing-and-miss ability that likely caught Baltimore’s attention.

For Pittsburgh, the trade is hardly a deadline blockbuster. It does, however, continue the organization’s roster reshuffling as the front office searches for upgrades and creates room for new additions.

Sanders was squeezed out after one trade. The Pirates are hoping several more moves are still to come.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow