MLB Trade Deadline: One trade each team should make
By Jason Evans
Pittsburgh Pirates-Steven Brault to the Padres for Andrew Cashner
The Pirates have been close to breaking through in the NL Central the past couple of seasons but continue to find themselves in the Wild Card game. They are going to get Jung Ho Kang back soon to help offensively, but I think their starting staff could use a boost. If there is any pitching coach who can possibly unlock the talent that Andrew Cashner has it’s Pirates pitching coach Ray Searage. Look at what he’s done for guys like JA Happ and Francisco Liriano. If the Pirates don’t feel that prospects Jamision Taillon or Tyler Glasnow are ready, they can go this route and add a power arm on an expiring deal like Cashner.
For the Padres, they can add Brault as some pitching depth at the upper minors and may even be someone who can come up and start for them at some point this season. Brault came from the Orioles in a deal for Travis Snider and found himself going from A ball to AAA in just one season. He doesn’t throw extremely hard, but you don’t have to throw like Noah Syndergaard to get people out in the majors.
Next: San Diego Padres