As the Pirates Fight for a wildcard spot and remain on the outside looking in, it seems as though one or two key deals are all the team needs for its postseason push.
Pirates reporter John Perrotto joined the show and suggested that Pittsburgh is just a bat or two shy from becoming a dangerous postseason contender.
“I like (Brent) Rooker. He has power. The Pirates not only need another bat but someone who can consistently hit the ball out of the park. I don’t think they’re going to have to give up any of their best prospects,” said Perrotto.
Rooker was drafted by the Minnesota Twins 35th overall in the 2017 MLB Draft. After two seasons within the organization the current OF/DH for the A’s spent parts of his young career with the Padres and Royals before being claimed by Oakland off of waivers. This season he is batting .294 with a .827 OPS and has tallied 72 RBIs along with 25 homers.
Perrotto also stated how a good second option batter for the Bucs to pick up alongside Rooker could be Orioles outfielder Cedric Mullins, who is also playing his seventh year in the majors.
“He (Rooker) seems like the best fit with (Cedric Mullins) as my buy-low candidate,” Perrotto said.
Mullins, who the Baltimore Orioles drafted in the 13th round (403rd overall) in the 2015 MLB Draft, did not see much action in his first few seasons from 2018-2020. Finally named a starter in 2021, Mullins had a breakout season for Baltimore. With his .291 batting average, 59 RBIs and 30 home runs the outfielder made his first All-Star Game appearance and earned the AL Silver Slugger Award. Since then Mullins has struggled to return to the same level.
A fresh start in Pittsburgh alongside Rooker could be just what he needs to get back on track.