Pirates Rumors: Contenders with loaded farm systems emerge as possible trade partners

The trade deadline is a month and a half away and the Pittsburgh Pirates once again find themselves in position to be sellers. While there may be some deranged grifters out there that think the Pirates could go on a run in 2025, the overwhelming evidence of the team's 30-46 record suggests otherwise.

Thankfully, it doesn't look like Paul Skenes will be on the table, but the team does have a couple of prime trade deadline targets and several very intriguing potential suitors.

While far from a complete list, MLB national writer Mark Feinsand took an early stab at putting together a list of 14 prime trade candidates for this summer. It won't come as a shock to anyone that two Pirates players, Andrew Heaney and Dennis Santana, are on the list.

However, what is more interesting is the teams that are potential fits for trades have farm systems that almost certainly have the Pirates' attention.

Pirates could cash in at the trade deadline with Andrew Heaney and Dennis Santana

Heaney is the stereotypical starter who is always available at the trade deadline. He is on a cheap one-year deal, which lessens the commitment for prospective teams, and he has also been pretty good in 2025 with a 3.33 ERA and 4.42 FIP in 14 starts. Feinsand has the Astros, Dodgers, and Cubs all as potential fits, but Pirates fans probably need to be rooting for LA or Chicago as Houston's farm system isn't exactly exciting at the moment.

Santana is a bit more interesting. Not only would he come with an extra year of team control for his new team, but he's also making a pittance this season and having a career year with a 1.74 ERA across 31 appearances. He's issued just five walks. The Red Sox, Tigers, Rays, and Guardians were all identified as potential matches for Santana by Feinsand.

As funny as it would be for Boston to make a significant trade for a reliever after shipping Rafael Devers to the other side of the country, Detroit and Cleveland stand out as organizations with position player prospects that could entice the Pirates. As a rule, trading with Tampa is a bad idea.

The market will continue to become more clear as we get into July and know which teams will be firm buyers and sellers. The one almost certain thing we do know is that in what will be a sellers market, the Pirates will be right in the middle of it.

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