An enjoyable discussion. Agree wholeheartedly that Bubba Chandler, Thomas Harrington, and Hunter Barco are untouchable, and could possibly add another pitcher or two to that group. Two of that three are from the 2022 Draft and I would stay with that year by adding Michael Kennedy to that list of untouchables. Zander Mueth from the 2023 Draft would be No. 5.
Liked the suggestion of Taylor Ward from the Angels as a trade target for the bat/power, but did not hear much of needing a CF, preferably one that is young, strong defensively, and shows all of the projections of being able to hit at the MLB level. Sure, while I am wishing, why not make that a switch hitting, lightning fast, strong armed CF capable of producing 20-20 seasons on a regular basis.
Nice outing by Marco last night. I would not be surprised if the Pirates decided to part with both he and/or Perez at the Aug 1 deadline. And, If Bednar and Borucki are back and strong, they may even include Chapman, who could be somebody the Yankees would covet.
We didn't go too in depth into actual targets, but I'd be interested in them looking in Jesus Sanchez or Bleday, maybe even Jazz. Sanchez would probably be the "cheaper" acquisition.
For obvious reasons Sanchez would be the "cheaper" of he, Jazz, and JJ. Oakland speaks our language - pitching! By the time they get the type of pitching they need, Bleday will be close to FA. The Pirates could use someone like Bleday for the next two years and then hope that LW Jr has matured into the type of CF that will fit our lineup in '26.
I think a lefty bat is the way to go or a Right hand hitter that hits rhp better. I like Ward but he's more of a lefty masher and just around average against right handers. Sanchez, Bleday or Jazz would probably help the team more. The pirates need more hitting against rhp'ers. Alek Thomas from the DBacks is about to come back from injury, he could fit the big side platoon in center and he's still young. He's offense hasn't been good though.
When considering in-season trades, we should remember that this is a seller's market. Are the Pirates sellers? Yes. The team's chances of making the playoffs is low. If the bullpen does not do them in, then the offense will. The Pirates do not need to unload a boatload of prospects in any trade. That's why I favor trading Keller for Baltimore's Mayo. He's a FG's 55 FV prospect, an above average player with power being his best tool. He also can take a walk. The O's need starting pitchers and have the prospect capital to use to acquire a pitcher. A #3 starter with term and a modest contract would fit well Baltimores' needs. Only scouting issues with Mayo's hitting should pull the plug on this deal.
Since the Pirates can't developed hitters, they must trade for them.
I hope the pirates would get more than just Mayo, reminds me of a right hand hitting Pedro Alvarez as a prospect. Good hitting, great power, cannon of an arm a little off target sometimes, decent range not great and a lot of chase and swing in miss.
I think Bleday is only about 20 points difference in OPS between he against RHP's and LHP's. So, hits RHP's better, but is not someone who needs to be subbed for against LHP's. Get it done right now, Ben!
His slugging is higher this year against lhp'ers but in a small sample size, 9 extra base hits in 50 some at bats. His batting average and on base are still much lower. I have a feeling the A's are strategically hiding him now against left handers more often than earlier in the season, not sure though.
For example Cruz has more at bat against left handed pitching than Bleday and we know the pirates give him days of against left handers but very rarely right handers.
I agree, he would be a good addition. The pirates would still struggle against right hand pitching though, they need someone that's a righty masher to complement Reynolds in the outfield that plays good defense.
Half of the league is looking to acquire OFers off the same 5 teams. I'm not sure the Pirates have the prospect depth to go fishing in these waters: especially if you take all their actual prospects off the board. They have a negative run differential and are under .500. The last time that the Pirates made a similar move under similar conditions was the Archer trade. I think that I would prefer they make a longshot move or two, hoping for a turnaround from someone underperforming or give up very little for a guy like Charlie Blackmon.
It could get "pricey" with other teams getting involved, but I still don't see prices getting too out of hand to the point a team is going to require Bubba Chandler, or even Termarr. For Luis Robert, maybe, but I don't think any of the next tier would require a bonafide prospect
That's why, like we talked about yesterday, blocked or change of scenery guys makes the most sense to me. Or be ready to do an overpay or eat a contract. Jesus Sanchez could be an example, Peguero and lower level prospect "might get him" but who knows?
What kind of bat could they get in return for Mitch Keller and who would be a suitable trade partner?
An enjoyable discussion. Agree wholeheartedly that Bubba Chandler, Thomas Harrington, and Hunter Barco are untouchable, and could possibly add another pitcher or two to that group. Two of that three are from the 2022 Draft and I would stay with that year by adding Michael Kennedy to that list of untouchables. Zander Mueth from the 2023 Draft would be No. 5.
Liked the suggestion of Taylor Ward from the Angels as a trade target for the bat/power, but did not hear much of needing a CF, preferably one that is young, strong defensively, and shows all of the projections of being able to hit at the MLB level. Sure, while I am wishing, why not make that a switch hitting, lightning fast, strong armed CF capable of producing 20-20 seasons on a regular basis.
Nice outing by Marco last night. I would not be surprised if the Pirates decided to part with both he and/or Perez at the Aug 1 deadline. And, If Bednar and Borucki are back and strong, they may even include Chapman, who could be somebody the Yankees would covet.
We didn't go too in depth into actual targets, but I'd be interested in them looking in Jesus Sanchez or Bleday, maybe even Jazz. Sanchez would probably be the "cheaper" acquisition.
For obvious reasons Sanchez would be the "cheaper" of he, Jazz, and JJ. Oakland speaks our language - pitching! By the time they get the type of pitching they need, Bleday will be close to FA. The Pirates could use someone like Bleday for the next two years and then hope that LW Jr has matured into the type of CF that will fit our lineup in '26.
I think a lefty bat is the way to go or a Right hand hitter that hits rhp better. I like Ward but he's more of a lefty masher and just around average against right handers. Sanchez, Bleday or Jazz would probably help the team more. The pirates need more hitting against rhp'ers. Alek Thomas from the DBacks is about to come back from injury, he could fit the big side platoon in center and he's still young. He's offense hasn't been good though.
When considering in-season trades, we should remember that this is a seller's market. Are the Pirates sellers? Yes. The team's chances of making the playoffs is low. If the bullpen does not do them in, then the offense will. The Pirates do not need to unload a boatload of prospects in any trade. That's why I favor trading Keller for Baltimore's Mayo. He's a FG's 55 FV prospect, an above average player with power being his best tool. He also can take a walk. The O's need starting pitchers and have the prospect capital to use to acquire a pitcher. A #3 starter with term and a modest contract would fit well Baltimores' needs. Only scouting issues with Mayo's hitting should pull the plug on this deal.
Since the Pirates can't developed hitters, they must trade for them.
I hope the pirates would get more than just Mayo, reminds me of a right hand hitting Pedro Alvarez as a prospect. Good hitting, great power, cannon of an arm a little off target sometimes, decent range not great and a lot of chase and swing in miss.
I think Bleday is only about 20 points difference in OPS between he against RHP's and LHP's. So, hits RHP's better, but is not someone who needs to be subbed for against LHP's. Get it done right now, Ben!
His slugging is higher this year against lhp'ers but in a small sample size, 9 extra base hits in 50 some at bats. His batting average and on base are still much lower. I have a feeling the A's are strategically hiding him now against left handers more often than earlier in the season, not sure though.
For example Cruz has more at bat against left handed pitching than Bleday and we know the pirates give him days of against left handers but very rarely right handers.
Lefty masher and average against RH is still leagues above what they have lol in addition to he's far above what they currently have defensively
I agree, he would be a good addition. The pirates would still struggle against right hand pitching though, they need someone that's a righty masher to complement Reynolds in the outfield that plays good defense.
Half of the league is looking to acquire OFers off the same 5 teams. I'm not sure the Pirates have the prospect depth to go fishing in these waters: especially if you take all their actual prospects off the board. They have a negative run differential and are under .500. The last time that the Pirates made a similar move under similar conditions was the Archer trade. I think that I would prefer they make a longshot move or two, hoping for a turnaround from someone underperforming or give up very little for a guy like Charlie Blackmon.
It could get "pricey" with other teams getting involved, but I still don't see prices getting too out of hand to the point a team is going to require Bubba Chandler, or even Termarr. For Luis Robert, maybe, but I don't think any of the next tier would require a bonafide prospect
That's why, like we talked about yesterday, blocked or change of scenery guys makes the most sense to me. Or be ready to do an overpay or eat a contract. Jesus Sanchez could be an example, Peguero and lower level prospect "might get him" but who knows?