Pirates ‘concentrating’ on this area of their roster at MLB trade deadline originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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The Pittsburgh Pirates have been one of the best stories in baseball in 2026.
They spent the offseason improving their offense, adding impact bats like Brandon Lowe and Ryan O’Hearn.
Of course, the Pirates can beat anyone when Paul Skenes is on the mound. But there are areas of the roster the NL Central club would like to improve at this year’s trade deadline.
“The Pirates are concentrating on improving their run prevention, and that includes improvements to both their defense and bullpen quality and depth,” The Athletic’s Jim Bowden wrote Thursday.
“The Pirates believe they have some internal solutions but are open-minded to trades, as well.”
Currently, the Pirates have a +14 run differential. They finished last season with 62 more runs allowed than scored.
A much-improved defender who may be available is second baseman Luis Arraez from the San Francisco Giants. But the Pirates already have Lowe at second base.
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Arraez could also shift to the hot corner, but will his new skills with the glove translate?
Oneil Cruz’s defense in center field is subpar to say the least. It’s a long shot due to his no-trade clause, but a right-handed power bat and superb defender, someone like Byron Buxton from the Minnesota Twins, would be perfect for the Pirates.
