2 Pirates trade rumors we hope come true, 1 we hope doesn't happen

It is that time of year where MLB insiders are spending the day providing very interesting rumors for how this MLB trade deadline might unfold. The NL Wild Card picture has continued to be a tight race, which has impacted the trade market a lot. That makes it difficult to keep track of all the shifting rumors about where players might end up before the trade deadline ends. With so many buyers believing in themselves, and very few sellers driving the market up, it can be difficult to know what and who to root for (and against).

The Pittsburgh Pirates are right in the hunt for a Wild Card spot, and they'll be looking to add to the team to get back to the playoffs. MLB insiders have provided fans with various rumors about who the Pirates are interested in, but they may not all represent the best direction for Pittsburgh to go. Let's take a look at two trade rumors that we want to happen and one that we do not want to see transpire.

2 Pirates trade rumors we'd love to see come true

Pittsburgh is well aware that the Pirates need outfield help. Bryan Reynolds has left field locked up, Josh Palacios is looking like a solid platoon in right field, but there remains a glaring hole in center field. This has led to the Pirates reportedly talking to the Miami Marlins about acquiring Jazz Chisholm, a star center fielder.

Jon Heyman of the New York Post wrote in an article posted this week that the Pirates are considering Jazz Chisholm, along with the Mariners and Yankees. Chisholm is a big-time player that would provide a giant boost to this team on offense and defense.

This season, Chisholm is batting .248 with 13 home runs and 50 runs batted in. He also has an OPS of .727, which includes an on-base percentage of .320 and a slugging percentage of .407. His wRC+ sits at 105 and his strikeout percentage is at a career low at 25%. Along with that, his fWAR is at 1.8, which is certainly solid.

Pirates fans definitely want this trade to be true because he represents the everyday center fielder that Pittsburgh needs. He hits left-handed pitching just as well as right-handed pitching, along with defense that will get the job done on a daily basis.

Another trade the Pirates have reportedly talked about and considered is a deal for Taylor Ward from the Angels. Heyman also reported that the Pirates are interested in Ward. This is another deal that would be great for the Pirates, and a move should absolutely be in consideration.

Ward is the right-handed bat that this Pittsburgh lineup is missing. Connor Joe is unplayable on a daily basis, but he is exceptionally good against left-handed pitching. The Pirates need to find a pairing for Joe that mitigates his struggles. Although Ward does not play center field, this addition would increase the Pirates' playoff chances a ton because of his great bat. Ward's stats may not look good because he has slumped for the last two months, but nonetheless, he is a great hitter and needs to find his groove again.

This season, Ward has a batting average of .227 with 14 home runs and 45 runs batted in. He also has an OPS of .701, which includes an on-base percentage of .310 and a slugging percentage of .391. His wRC+ is at just 99 and his fWAR at 0.8. This may look like a simple pickup for a bench player, but the ceiling of Ward is much higher than that.

There is lots of reason to believe that Ward can get on a hot streak when he gets lineup protection with the Pirates. This rumor is absolutely one that Pirates fans should hope happens. If the Pirates do acquire Ward, then they should also look to add another bat along with him.

1 trade rumor that would not benefit Pirates' push to the postseason

One player that the Pirates have reportedly linked to is Josh Bell, Pittsburgh's representative from the 2019 All-Star Game. Heyman noted that there is some sense to a reunion, and Jim Bowden stated on 93.7 The Fan that the Pirates have discussed such a deal.

Although Bell was once a great Pirate, now is not the time to reunite with him, as the Pirates have had a solid bat in Rowdy Tellez for weeks now, along with a Joe fulfilling the platoon at the position. These two are getting the job done, which does not leave a spot for Bell. Not only is his position crowded, but he is expensive and is not having a very good year.

This season, Bell has a batting average of .234 with 12 home runs and 45 runs batted in. He also has an OPS of .676, which includes an on-base percentage of .299 and a slugging percentage of .377. His wRC+ sits at 90 and his fWAR is at -0.6. Along with this poor offense, his defense is also lacking.

A trade for Bell should not be in the Pirates' deadline plans this season. First base is not exactly an area they need to improve, but if they did decide to get someone, it should not be Bell. His contract costs too much and his production is nowhere near worth the price.

The Pirates obviously need to make a move at the deadline, but they should not make a deal just to make one. Getting an outfielder is important, which is what they are reportedly after in players like Chisholm and Ward. Forget first base.