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Top 3 trade targets for the Pittsburgh Pirates entering 2024-25 offseason

These three names should be at the top of the Pirates' trade list.

By Noah Wright|
Aug 11, 2024; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Baltimore Orioles first base Ryan Mountcastle (6) looks on while on deck to bat against the Tampa Bay Rays during the first inning at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
Aug 11, 2024; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Baltimore Orioles first base Ryan Mountcastle (6) looks on while on deck to bat against the Tampa Bay Rays during the first inning at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images | Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
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Wilyer Abreu

The Boston Red Sox may be willing to part with one of their multiple left-handed batters this offseason to clear outfield spots, and according to MLB Trade Rumors, 2024 rookie standout Wilyer Abreu is the 22nd-best offseason trade candidate in the game. If the Red Sox are truly willing to move the outfielder for pitching, he'd be the Pirates' best trade target to fill out right field.

Abreu hit .253/.322/.459 with a .336 wOBA and 114 wRC+ last season. Abreu brought well above-average pop to the dish with a .206 isolated slugging percentage and 15 home runs in only 447 plate appearances. Abreu had no problems making quality contact, sitting in the 86th percentile of exit velocity (91.6 MPH) and the 76th percentile of barrel rate (11.1%). 

However, there were some red flags to Abreu's season. His xwOBA was .322, which was still above-average but lower than his bottom line. While he drew walks at a healthy 8.9% rate, Abreu struck out frequently with a 28% K%. He had a 29.5% whiff rate despite a respectable 28.2% chase rate.

Abreu's offensive numbers on the season were good, but his defensive numbers were among some of the best in the league in 2024. Abreu deservingly won a Gold Glove after he had +16 defensive runs saved and +7 outs above average. He mostly played right field and averaged 35 feet in his jump on fly balls. His arm is powerful, averaging 94.8 MPH on his throws from the outfield, which was in the 98th percentile of fielders in 2024.

Abreu will likely be the most expensive name on this list to acquire prospect-wise. After all, 2024 was his rookie season. But if the Sox are willing to move Abreu, a trade package centered around Luis Ortiz, along with more young pitching from the Pirates' system, might get the job done. Boston needs some young arms, which makes them a great trade partner for the Pirates.

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