MLB Trade Deadline: 5 best spots for Brian Dozier

2. Pittsburgh Pirates

The Pirates are lingering around .500 right now (47-45), and they are nine games out of first in the National League Central. But a favorable schedule over their last 70 games, with 37 games against bottom-tier teams, puts them in position to make a serious run toward the postseason down the stretch.

Josh Harrison has hardly been dead weight as Pittsburgh’s primary second baseman, with a .270 average, 41 RBI and 14 stolen bases so far this year, but they are toward the bottom of the National League in home runs as a team with 89.

A trade for Dozier would allow Harrison’s versatility to be used more effectively by Pirates’ manager Clint Hurdle, and that on its own could help the team’s offense. Shortstop Jordy Mercer could then move out of a regular role if Harrison can be used as something of a super-utility guy, and third baseman Jung Ho Kang (.143, 8-for-56 over his last 20 games) could find a more regular spot on the bench too.

The Pirates may not need a lot of help to bolster their chances to earn a playoff spot, and it’s worth wondering if they will target starting pitching above anything else over the next 11 days or so. But Dozier stands out as an under-the-radar player that can help things offensively, while also allowing for an infield shift that looks like a good residual move.

Next: Royals