Pittsburgh Pirates Rumors: Austin Hedges "Almost Certain" to Be Traded

According to reports, the Pittsburgh Pirates are "almost certain" to trade Austin Hedges before the 6 PM ET trade deadline

The Major League Baseball trade deadline hot stove is heating up. Not just for the Pittsburgh Pirates, but across all of baseball. Earlier today the Pirates made another trade when they sent Ji Man Choi and Rich Hill to the San Diego Padres in a five-player trade.

What could be next for the Bucs?

The next Pirate to be moved could be catcher Austin Hedges. According to Joel Sherman of the New York Post, Hedges is "almsot certain" to be traded by the 6 PM ET trade deadline.

The Pirates attempting to move Hedges makes sense. Even with his offensive shortcomings, contending teams looking for catcher depth would likely have plenty of interest in Hedges. Finding a landing spot for Hedges would be easier than many would think.

Additionally, the Pirates no longer have a need for Hedges. Endy Rodriguez is in the majors now and has taken over as the team's every day catcher. The Pirates have expressed interest in having Henry Davis catch more post-trade deadline, and can recall Jason Delay to help with catching depth as well.

Sherman later added that the Tampa Bay Rays, Arizona Diamondbacks, and Miami Marlins are three teams who could be in pursuit of Hedges.

Look for Hedges to be moved before this evening's trade deadline. Stay tuned here at Rum Bunter to continue to monitor all Pirate trade news and rumors.