The 2025 season has been yet one more misplaced yr for the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Supervisor Derek Shelton was fired on Could 8 after a 12-26 report to begin the season. Don Kelly, who changed Shelton, has been higher, main the Pirates to an 18-22 report to date. Regardless of that enchancment, the Pirates entered Sunday with the third-worst report within the majors and can as soon as once more look towards the long run.
The Pirates have some fascinating gamers that might be on the commerce block. Let’s check out three gamers the Pirates may deal on the deadline.
Mitch Keller
In idea, a pitcher with a 1-10 report wouldn’t have a lot of a market. Nevertheless, in Keller’s case, his report doesn’t match his efficiency, as he’s tied for third within the Nationwide League with 11 high quality begins. Keller has additionally been a bit unfortunate this season as his 4.02 ERA is 79 factors greater than his 3.23 FIP.
Signed to a five-year, $77.5 million extension forward of the 2024 season, Keller can be excess of a rental. He can be a longer-term reply for a workforce trying to shore up the center to again of the rotation, probably offering extra upside than another pitcher that would come obtainable. With the Pirates’ spectacular crop of younger pitchers, Keller may carry again a number of wanted items to enhance the lineup going ahead.
Isiah Kiner-Falefa
Though Kiner-Falefa has been the Pirates major shortstop this season, his biggest skill is his defensive versatility. He has seen motion at second, third, middle and left in addition to at shortstop, offering stable protection no matter the place he’s defensively. Kiner-Falefa has been stable with the bat as effectively this season, posting a .280/.325/.349 batting line with 10 doubles and 9 steals in his 237 plate appearances getting into Sunday.
That defensive versatility and velocity may make Kiner-Falefa a sought-after possibility forward of the commerce deadline. Groups are all the time trying to enhance their depth, particularly if that utility possibility wouldn’t be a unfavorable within the lineup. Kiner-Falefa is probably not a flashy addition, however he may carry a good return to Pittsburgh.
Dennis Santana
Santana had been a mediocre reliever till the Pirates plucked him off the waiver wire simply over a yr in the past. Since then, he has been a dominant power at the back of the Pirates’ bullpen, posting a 2.11 ERA and a 0.874 WHiP over 76.2 innings, putting out 75 batters with simply 16 walks. Santana took over because the Pirates’ nearer when David Bednar struggled and was despatched right down to Triple-A earlier within the season.
There are some considerations with Santana. He’s going through a four-game suspension after his aggressive actions towards a fan. He has additionally turned himself right into a reliable setup man who can deal with the ninth inning if wanted. Contending groups are all the time trying to enhance the bullpen and Santana might be the lacking piece for a number of playoff hopefuls.
