3 prospects that could be on the move if Pirates buy at trade deadline

For the first time in a very long time, the Pittsburgh Pirates have a chance to be buyers at the trade deadline. The Pirates' major league pitching is in better shape than it has been in years, but they could definitely use some more offense if they want to separate themselves from the pack in a very crowded National League wild card race.

If they do decide to go after any big league bats, the Pirates should consider dipping into their prospect pool and weaponize it on the trade market. Teams who are true sellers at this year's deadline – while there are few of them – are going to be looking toward building for the future, and the Pirates have plenty of valuable pieces to offer.

Some prospects should be considered untouchable at the deadline, like right-handed pitcher Bubba Chandler and second baseman Termarr Johnson, but the Pirates still have plenty of depth in their farm system to put together an enticing trade package or two that could get them the run support they need at the big league level without sacrificing too much future talent in the minors.

Henry Davis, C (Triple-A Indianapolis)

OK, technically this one has spent time in the majors, but we're considering him a prospect for the purpose of this exercise. Henry Davis, the No. 1 overall pick in 2021, has been solid for Triple-A Indianapolis but failed to find his footing at the big-league level over parts of two seasons.

Drafted as a catcher, Davis has tried his hand – rather unsuccessfully – at playing in the outfield before shifting back to his original position at Triple-A. Pittsburgh's greatest need at the MLB level is offense, and Davis' abysmal .197 batting average in 310 major league plate appearances seems to indicate that he won't be providing that anytime soon.

Yes, he was the top overall pick just three years ago, but Davis' value to the Pirates at this juncture may be higher as a trade chip than as a prospect. He could benefit from a fresh start with a new organization, and perhaps it's best for the Pirates to move on from him now while his trade value is still relatively high.

Hunter Barco, RHP (Double-A Altoona)

Right-handed pitching prospect Hunter Barco is still in his first full professional season, as he missed the first half of the 2023 campaign while recovering from Tommy John surgery. The Pirates drafted him in the second round in 2022, and he has developed into a first-round talent with high trade value.

Barco was promoted to Double-A Altoona to start the second half of the season after putting up a 3.34 ERA in 62 innings in High-A Greensboro. In his Double-A debut last weekend, he allowed one hit, no walks, and struck out five in three shutout innings.

Barco isn't exactly throwing gas but has gotten his fastball up to a 94 mph average, topping out at 96 this year after sitting low-90s in years prior. He’s also worked to improve his slider and changeup and could be an expendable piece for the Pirates, who have a farm system bloated with high-level pitching talent.

Mitch Jebb, SS (High-A Greensboro)

Mitch Jebb was a 2023 second-round pick out of Michigan State and can play either middle infield position. A left-handed contact hitter with speed, he is batting .228/.328/.336 with six doubles, four triples, six homers and 31 RBI at High-A Greensboro.

Jebb is the Pirates' No. 6 prospect, according to MLB.com's pipeline rankings, but the Pirates' selection of prep shortstop prospect Konnor Griffin at No. 9 overall in this year's draft may have made him slightly redundant. As such, Jebb could make an intriguing trade candidate if Pittsburgh decides to keep Griffin at shortstop.

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