This Pirates trade deadline plan can improve outfield and first base situations

It is no secret that the Pirates need to acquire reinforcements if they want to make a genuine run for the playoffs. Outfield has been a consistent hole in the lineup, and should be a major area of focus as the MLB trade deadline approaches. Acquiring not one, but two outfielders could help the Pirates score more runs and maintain a balanced roster and bench.

What two outfielders should the Pirates target at the MLB trade deadline?

Given the struggles of Jack Suwinski and Michael A. Taylor, the Pirates should look for a replacement in center field. One guy that stands out of JJ Bleday, who is having the best year of his short major league career. He has lots of control on his contract, so this would be an acquisition for both now and the future.

This season, Bleday has a batting average of .238 with 12 home runs and 36 runs batted in. He also has an OPS of .757, which includes an on-base percentage of .319 and a slugging percentage of .438. His wRC+ is at 117, along with a strikeout percentage of just 18.8% and an fWAR of 1.9.

Bleday is an average defender in center, but that won't impact him being an everyday player in Pittsburgh. The Pirates would not need to worry about righty-lefty matchups with Bleday. Against right-handers, he has an OPS of .755 and a wRC+ of 117. Against left-handers, that OPS rises to .767 and his wRC+ stays stable at 117. Bleday is remarkably consistent, no matter which side the pitcher is throwing from.

The other outfielder that could help the Pirates solely for the 2024 season is Kevin Pillar. Although he is just a rental and is likely playing the last season of his career, Pillar is having his best season since 2020 and would fit perfectly into a platoon in right field with Josh Palacios.

This season, Pillar has a .273 batting average with seven home runs and 32 runs batted in. He also has an OPS of .798, which includes an on-base percentage of .333 and a slugging percentage of .465. His wRC+ is at a career high at 123, along with a strikeout percentage of 17.9% and an fWAR of 1.0.

Against left-handers, Pillar has a 1.042 OPS and a wRC+ of 191. He does exceptionally well against them, which makes him a perfect platoon candidate with Palacios, who has been better against right-handed pitching in his career.

These two additions will improve the roster, and while Bleday will certainly cost more in terms of prospect capital, both should be affordable, given the strengths of Pittsburgh's farm. This seems like a solid plan for Ben Cherington to follow, but there are, of course, many other factors.

What would happen to Connor Joe, Jack Suwinski, and Michael A. Taylor with possible additions of JJ Bleday and Kevin Pillar?

In this scenario, Connor Joe would join a full-time platoon at first base with Rowdy Tellez. Against left-handers, Joe has an OPS of .813 and a wRC+ of 127, which is significantly higher than his performance against right-handers. Tellez has picked it up a lot, but he still is much more productive against right-handed pitching, as his OPS sits at .694 with a wRC+ of 91. This platoon would dramatically help the team so Joe is not forced into right field against right-handed pitchers.

If Jack Suwinski stays out of this trade package, he would be sent down to Triple-A following the new arrivals. This season has not been good to him, as he has an OPS of .587, along with a wRC+ of 64 and an fWAR of -1.1. His defense is also poor, with -18 defensive runs saved across the entire outfield.

Michael A. Taylor may remain on the roster, but could also be a candidate to be designated for assignment. His defense could win him a Gold Glove this season, which gives him a spot on this roster for late-game situations, and he also provides speed, which was a factor in one of the Pirates' big wins against the Phillies. His outs above average rank in the 95th percentile, his arm value ranks in the 91st percentile, and his fielding run value ranks in the 96th percentile. All of these are among the top of the league, and could help the Pirates down the stretch.

Overall, this plan would be wise for the Pirates to consider. They might not acquire Bleday or Pillar, but acquiring more guys that allow Pittsburgh to platoon Joe and Palacios at one position could help maximize their value to the team. The deadline is less than a week away and the Pirates remain over .500 and are very much so in the playoff picture. The waiting game continues!