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A way-too-early Pittsburgh Pirates trade target wishlist for 2024-25 offseason

The Pirates should be active in the trade market this offseason, so let's take a look at some way too early trade targets.

By Noah Wright|
Sep 10, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Los Angeles Angels left fielder Taylor Ward (3) reacts to hitting a RBI single during the fifth inning against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Johnson-Imagn Images
Sep 10, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Los Angeles Angels left fielder Taylor Ward (3) reacts to hitting a RBI single during the fifth inning against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Johnson-Imagn Images | Jordan Johnson-Imagn Images
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Andrew Vaughn

The alternative to leaving Reynolds in left field would be to find a first baseman. Andrew Vaughn of the Chicago White Sox would present a decent option to turn to. His first two months of the year were not good. At the end of May, he was batting a meager .199/.264/.313 with a .257 wOBA and 64 wRC+. He hit just four homers in his first 220 plate appearances, with an isolated slugging of .114. Since that line of demarcation, Vaughn has turned his season around. 

He is slashing .276/.321/.471 with a .340 wOBA and 121 wRC+ since the start of June. Although Vaughn hasn’t walked much and has a 6.4% BB%, he has cut his strikeout rate below 20% at 19.4%. Vaughn has hit his power stride, going yard 15 times in his last 361 plate appearances, and has a .195 isolated slugging percentage. 

Vaughn’s underlying numbers are also very promising. He has made quality contact with a 90.3 MPH exit velo (70th percentile) and a 9.9% barrel rate (67th percentile). Along with making good contact, he hasn’t swung and missed very often, with a 22% whiff rate. Vaughn has an above-average .330 xwOBA (60th percentile) and xSLG% of .466 (79th percentile). Most of these numbers are career bests or near career bests for the first baseman.

Notably, Vaughn’s first base defense is not good. He has -3 defensive runs saved and -9 outs above average this season. He has some experience in the outfield, but he was even worse there, having -19 DRS and -23 OAA in less than 1,500 innings. Plus, he hasn’t played the outfield since 2022. 

Even if the Pirates leave Reynolds in left field, both Vaughn and Ward should be trade targets. Ward can play the other outfield corner, while Vaughn can be the Pirates’ next first baseman. Vaughn is controlled through 2026, and the White Sox will likely be willing to listen to any and all trade proposals for their players.

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