Hoping the Pirates make a big move before the trade deadline at 6 p.m. on Tuesday?
If you are, Audacy MLB insider Bob Nightengale has a big bucket of cold water to throw on you.
Talking to the PM Team, Nightengale says don’t expect much more from the Bucs after they traded RHP Quinn Priester to Boston for infielder Nick Yorke.
“Maybe small things, they’re kind of caught in no man’s land, they’re really not in the race, out of the race,” said Nightengale. “I don’t think they’re going to go all in this year.”
He also said he doesn’t expect the Pirates to move relief pitcher Aroldis Chapman, but it could happen.
“Just because, if you can get a ton for him, you know, maybe you move him and shoot for 2025,” said Nightengale.
Nightengale says, realistically, 2025 could be a more competitive year for the Pirates.
In his opinion, Nightengale doesn’t see the Pirates worrying as much about pitch and innings counts for Paul Skenes and Jared Jones in 2025.
When it comes to the few remaining players the Pirates could go after, Nightengale believes the price for Angels left fielder Taylor Ward is too high for Pittsburgh.
He also believes Brent Rooker, A’s designated hitter, is not going to be available.
One player that the Pirates may be able to get?
Nightengale says former Pirates player Josh Bell may be available for cheap.