Pirates’ Trade Deadline Strategies: Insight on Eugenio Suárez and More

The Pittsburgh Pirates are at a crossroads. They’re staring down a tough, maybe transformative decision: should they trade their ace right-hander, Mitch Keller, to boost their offense and free up payroll?

Keller is the franchise’s most valuable trade asset. General Manager Ben Cherington faces mounting pressure—not just to push the team toward playoff contention, but maybe even to save his own job.

The MLB trade landscape is changing fast. Key players are on the block and contenders are eyeing their needs, so this decision could shape the Pirates for years.

Why Mitch Keller Is the Pirates’ Most Valuable Trade Chip

Mitch Keller has become a cornerstone for Pittsburgh. He’s owed between $16.5 million and $20 million over the next three seasons, and his steady pitching makes him a hot target for teams needing arms.

If the Pirates move Keller, they could free up a chunk of salary. That money could go straight into free agents or much-needed offensive upgrades for the future.

But there’s a risk. Keller brings stability to the Pirates’ pitching staff—a real luxury they might miss if they let him go.

Cherington faces a real dilemma: does he chase long-term flexibility and more offense, or stick with a proven arm who anchors the rotation?

Expiring Contracts: Pirates’ Limited Trade Options

The Pirates have a few other trade chips with expiring contracts—Tommy Pham, Isiah Kiner-Falefa, Andrew Heaney, and Caleb Ferguson. None of these guys have the value to bring back impact hitters.

They’re useful, sure, but they don’t have the star power or upside that playoff teams want. This makes Keller even more critical—he’s one of the few in Pittsburgh who can bring a real return.

Without Keller, the Pirates might struggle to make trades that actually move the needle for their offense.

Dodgers, Diamondbacks, and Mariners: Teams to Watch

Trade talk is everywhere right now. The Los Angeles Dodgers are always active, but they’re reportedly shopping from their farm system instead of their big-league roster.

Starter Dustin May is in some trade rumors, though only for an outfielder—not relievers.

Then there’s Eugenio Suárez of the Arizona Diamondbacks. He’s turned into one of the top hitters since changing his batting stance after the 2024 All-Star break.

His defense is still a question mark, but his bat could make him a centerpiece in trade talks.

Dylan Moore and Luis Robert Jr.: Buyer Beware?

Other names are popping up, too. The Mariners have put Dylan Moore on the market, but his long slump has really hurt his value.

On the flip side, the White Sox seem ready to move center fielder Luis Robert Jr. He’s got a high ceiling and could draw plenty of interest.

Both players offer some upside, but honestly, the Pirates are looking for cornerstone offensive players to brighten their 2026 outlook. These two might not quite fit that bill.

The Rays and Brewers: Potential Sellers

The Tampa Bay Rays have been struggling since late June, so they’re likely sellers as the deadline gets closer. Closer Pete Fairbanks and starter Zack Littell could draw interest from teams needing pitching.

Neither one fits exactly what the Pirates want right now, though.

The Milwaukee Brewers add a little more intrigue. They might move Nestor Cortes Jr., who’s just coming back from injury and is part of their crowded starting rotation.

Cortes could help a lot of teams, but Milwaukee’s asking price could make things tricky.

The Larger Context: 2026 and Beyond

For the Pirates, it’s all about vision. Trading Keller for offense feels risky, but it could pay off and turn them into hitters-first contenders by 2026.

Keeping Keller means short-term stability, but it limits payroll flexibility and the chance to add big bats later.

Ben Cherington has to balance these priorities. With pressure from all sides, his next move could shape not just the Pirates’ future, but his own as GM.

Conclusion: The Trade Market Stirs with Possibilities

MLB trade buzz keeps getting louder, and the Pirates have a fascinating chess piece in Mitch Keller. If they trade him, they might finally get the offense they’ve been missing and shake up their payroll.

But let’s be honest—losing the team’s ace would leave some pretty big holes in the rotation. Fans aren’t likely to love that.

The Pirates want to build a future that actually contends. Pulling off the right trade, though, takes guts and a bit of luck.

Rumors swirl about sellers like the Rays and Brewers, while big-market teams such as the Dodgers and Diamondbacks seem ready to make a move. Pittsburgh could find plenty of opportunities if they play their cards right.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Rosenthal: What I’m hearing about the Pirates’ trade deadline plans, Eugenio Suárez and more

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