The Pirates may have just swept the Dodgers, but they're still almost certain to be sellers at the MLB trade deadline.
And a hometown favorite could be the first to go.
CBS Sports says David Bednar is the most likely player on the Pirates to get moved before the deadline on Aug. 2. He's the lone representative on their list, beating out Brian Reynolds and José Quintana.
It would be tough to see the Mars native go, especially considering he's not even arbitration eligible yet. Bednar is sporting a 1.97 ERA and 4.67 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 82 appearances dating back to last season.
But as CBS' R.J. Anderson notes, Bednar probably isn't going to be part of the Pirates' next playoff team, given the volatility of relievers. His value may never be higher than it is now.
One of the most expendable pieces in sports is a good reliever on a bad team. At 22-27, the Pirates will probably slump towards the finish line with or without Bednar.
Then again, the Pirates always trade away good players. It would be nice to see them keep somebody for once. Maybe Bednar could be a bullpen anchor for them. That would be more fulfilling than seeing him leave for prospects.
