MLB Trade Deadline: 5 trades Pirates should make

5. Francisco Liriano

The Pirates can sell on Francisco Liriano and not be considered sellers. This year has been a down one for Liriano. The Pirates have a young rotation that is only getting younger with the emergence of Tyler Glasnow (22), Jameson Taillon (24), Chad Kuhl (23), and Steven Brault (24), all four making MLB debuts this season. While it would be unsafe to have four unknown pitchers in the rotation if they are running for a wild card, they also have Jon Niese, Jeff Locke, Juan Nicasio, and of course Gerrit Cole.

Therefore, in selling off Liriano, they may be selling off their eighth or ninth best pitcher. Posting a 5.34 ERA and a -0.2 WAR the argument could easily be made. He is also set to make $13 Million next season, and will be 33 this fall.

However, Liriano does have some name value. He has been the ace of the Pirates the last two seasons. He also still gets strikeouts. Many teams could see Liriano and pass it off as being in a funk. They may see something that they think they can control or fix that will straighten Liriano out.

If a team is interested the Pirates should at least be taking the calls. The first thing that they would be looking for is the team to take on the rest of the contract. That and a mid-tier prospect would more than likely strike the Bucs interest.

They have been known as one of the stingier teams in the MLB. Being able to sell off an asset during its decline while recovering financially would be in their best interest. They may be able to use the money saved to add another experienced arm if they really do want to buy.

Trading Liriano frees up money and a spot in the rotation for a younger, potentially better pitcher. It seems like a smart decision for the Pirates to make.

Next: 4. Jon Niese