The Pittsburgh Pirates have had a rough season so far this season.
Pittsburgh is 26-40 so far this season and is in last place in the National League Central. Pittsburgh is 14 1/2 games out of first place in the division and seven games behind the fourth-place Cincinnati Reds.
Things just haven't gone as planned and it seems like the Pirates are hurdling towards a trade deadline firesale. There has been some wild trade speculation about All-Star ace Paul Skenes but he isn't going anywhere.
There are guys who could be moved, though. MLB.com's Alex Stumpf called Andrew Heaney Pittsburgh's most "intriguing" trade candidate.
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"Pirates: LHP Andrew Heaney," Stumpf said. "The Pirates have plenty of trade candidates (there are only a few players they won’t listen on, like Paul Skenes), but most of their intriguing trade chips come with multiple years of control, so they don’t have to deal them. Heaney is on an expiring deal, so it would make sense to deal him if the Bucs aren’t in the playoff picture. The southpaw has posted a 3.24 ERA in 13 starts and has playoff experience, making him a perfect addition to the middle of a rotation."
This makes much more sense. Heaney is having a good year so far and could help a contender and bring back a piece for the Pirates. If a pitcher is going to get moved, this makes more sense than dealing Skenes.
More MLB: Pirates’ Paul Skenes makes miserable MLB history that explains trade rumors