As the trade deadline approaches, the Pittsburgh Pirates have made headlines with their recent activities. With only two days remaining until the deadline on Thursday at 6 p.m. ET, the Pirates have executed just one significant trade this month. On July 16, they sent infielder Adam Frazier to the Kansas City Royals in exchange for minor league player Cam Devanney.
Despite the previous trade, the Pirates are gearing up for what is expected to be a flurry of activity before the deadline. Reports indicate that the team is in discussions to trade one of their relief pitchers to the Toronto Blue Jays, according to MLB Network insider Jon Morosi. This could potentially alter the dynamics of the Pirates' bullpen significantly.
Within the Pirates' bullpen, three players stand out as logical trade candidates: David Bednar, Dennis Santana, and Caleb Ferguson. Each of these pitchers brings unique strengths, making them attractive options for teams looking to bolster their relief corps.
David Bednar: The Reliable CloserBullpen ace David Bednar has been nothing short of exceptional this season. He boasts an impressive record of 17 saves out of 17 opportunities, coupled with a 2.37 ERA and 51 strikeouts in 38 innings over 42 relief appearances. Since his recall from Triple-A Indianapolis, Bednar has further improved, posting a stellar 1.70 ERA. His consistent performance makes him a prime target for teams aiming to secure a reliable closer.
Dennis Santana: A Strong ContenderAnother potential asset is Dennis Santana, who has an impressive 1.39 ERA, ranking him fourth among MLB relief pitchers with at least 40 innings pitched this season. Santana has displayed remarkable control, limiting opponents to a low batting line of .176/.221/.239. Additionally, he has recorded a career-high of five saves, adding to his trade appeal.
Caleb Ferguson: A Promising ArmCaleb Ferguson has made 45 appearances in his first season with the Pirates, showing promise with a record of 2-2, a 3.74 ERA, and a 3.14 FIP. While not as dominant as Bednar or Santana, Ferguson's performance this season could still attract interest from teams looking for depth in their bullpen.
It's important to note that both Bednar and Santana are arbitration-eligible one more time this winter before entering free agency following the 2026 season. Conversely, Ferguson will become a free agent at the end of this year, making him a more immediate consideration for potential trades.
As the Pittsburgh Pirates approach the trade deadline, all eyes will be on their next moves. With several key pitchers potentially on the move, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the team navigates this critical period.
