Building the best post-trade deadline lineup for the Pittsburgh Pirates

The 2024 MLB trade deadline is officially over and the Pirates did a very good job at improving the roster. This roster shakeup has given Derek Shelton the task of constructing the best lineup possible for producing runs.

With multiple new additions to the team, let's take a look at how the Pirates can optimize their lineup after the trade deadline.

What is the best lineup the Pirates can make now that the MLB trade deadline is over?

Andrew McCutchen, Designated Hitter

The best leadoff hitter for the Pirates is fan favorite Andrew McCutchen. Although he is not having a season like his MVP-winning campaign from back in the day, he is still very productive to the team when he is first in the lineup.

On the season, McCutchen has a solid .704 OPS with 13 home runs and 30 runs batted in. His wRC+ is also at the league average at 100, along with a 11.8% walk rate. One issue that has been a problem for him this season is his career high strikeout rate of 26.3%.

In the leadoff spot, McCutchen has a .240 bating average with 12 home runs and 25 runs batted in. His OPS is .742, which includes an on-base percentage of .332 and a slugging percentage of .410. This season has shown that, if you want the best out of McCutchen, he needs to be in the leadoff spot.

For the Pirates to keep scoring runs, McCutchen needs to remain first in the order.