4 rentals the Pittsburgh Pirates should look to acquire at MLB Trade Deadline

The Pirates are officially a .500 team again after a four-game win streak heading into the All-Star break. This hot streak has gotten them within a game and a half of an NL Wild Card spot, and within six and a half games of the division lead. Their hot stretch of games has them right back at the top of the hunt.

They are establishing themseleves as a playoff team, but to get to the postseason, they need to add to the roster. The outfield is a huge need for the Pirates, and their main target would be an outfielder with control. If the price isn't to their liking in this sellers' market, though, they might have to look among the rentals for an outfielder (and possibly more). These four rentals represent meaningful upgrades the Pirates should consider.

MLB Trade Deadline: What rental players should be on the Pirates' trade radar?

Tanner Scott, Left-Handed Pitcher

There is plenty of speculation that the Pirates are going to trade Aroldis Chapman, which will leave a gap of left-handed relievers in the Pittsburgh bullpen. They have Ryan Borucki nearing a completion of his rehab assignment, but another high-leverage southpaw should be necessary with the departure of Chapman (and one with a lower salary).

Tanner Scott is one of the biggest names on the trade market, but the Pirates are now 48-48, so this could influence them to go all in on the southpaw reliever. Although he would be expensive, Pittsburgh has the prospect capital to get the deal complete. Scott is owed a pro-rated portion of his 2024 contract, which represents about half of Chapman's remaining cost ($5.7 million vs. $10.5 million).

This season, Scott has 6-5 record with an earned run average of 1.34 in 40.1 innings pitched and has struck out 45 batters. Opponents are batting just .130 against him and his WHIP sits at 1.07. He does struggle with walks from time to time.

Scott has just two pitches and they are excellent. His fastball sits around 96-97 miles per hour, while hitters have an expected batting average of just .166 against it. His slider has 36.4 inches of drop with an expected batting average of .216 against it.

Overall, Scott would make a good bullpen better. Another reliable high leverage reliever will help a postseason push for the Pirates.