MLB rumors: Justin Verlander wild card destinations, Pirates buzz, more
By Kevin Henry
MLB rumors: Buzz growing around Pittsburgh Pirates potential trade candidates?
One of the biggest players, as the final hours of the MLB trade deadline tick away, could well be the Pittsburgh Pirates. According to Jon Heyman, there are multiple players who could be on their way out of the Steel City if the price is right.
Pirates are weighing multiple offers on Rich Hill and Austin Hedges. Also getting inquiries on Bednar, Keller, Holderman and Choi. Bednar and Keller of course have big price tags.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) August 1, 2023
As Heyman mentions, the prizes on the Pittsburgh roster are a starting pitcher (Mitch Keller) and an All-Star closer (David Bednar), with both requiring a substantial return from the Pirates. With San Diego still in limbo and Blake Snell and Josh Hader reportedly not on the market, Keller and Bednar are two of the biggest prizes remaining … if teams can figure out a way to entice the Pirates into a trade.
When it comes to Bednar, our own Robert Murray has written that, “the Pirates have set a high asking price, rival executives say, and are in no hurry to move a reliever (Bednar) who has a 1.27 ERA and 21 saves in 42.2 innings.”
Hill is an interesting name for teams looking for a starting pitcher who can be reliable and eat innings. The 43-year-old southpaw is on a one-year, $8 million deal so heading to a contender makes sense. Hedges is scheduled to be a free agent in 2024 and could provide depth behind the plate. Could the two go in the same deal?