The Pittsburgh Pirates are primed to make a big move at the trade deadline, but there could be one hurdle.
The Pittsburgh Pirates could end up being one of the most interesting teams at the trade deadline.
They have a 52-49 record and are right in the thick of the National League Wild Card race while having a loaded farm system. By all indications, Pittsburgh and its front office are primed to make a blockbuster move ahead of August 3.
That could very well end up happening, but according to one MLB insider, on one condition.
USA Today's Bob Nightengale reported over the weekend that the Pirates "plan to be aggressive at the deadline."
At first glance, that's great news for Pittsburgh fans who are starving to see playoff baseball hopefully return to PNC Park for the first time in over a decade.
Plus, if the Pirates can add one or two backend bullpen arms, they'll have a roster well-rounded enough to make some noise in October, too.
However, Nightingale also reported that, while the Pirates could add "only if they can acquire pieces without increasing payroll."
May 6, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates manager Don Kelly against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn ImagesThat note really throws cold water on what moves Pittsburgh could make over the next few weeks.
The area where Pittsburgh really needs more help is in the back end of the bullpen. The Pirates have a reliever ERA of 4.38, which ranks in the bottom 10 in baseball.
Even if the Pirates make it to the postseason with an improved lineup, the bullpen could undo all of that and limit what the team's ceiling is in the postseason.
If not increasing payroll truly is Pittsburgh's mentality heading into the trade deadline, some popular trade candidates could be off the table: Aroldis Chapman ($13 million) and Luke Weaver ($9.5 million).
(Could that leave the door open for a potential blockbuster trade for Mason Miller? He is only owed $4 million in 2026.)
Payroll has been one of the hottest topics surrounding the Pirates over the last few seasons.
The front office did increase that over the offseason by trading for Brandon Lowe and signing Ryan O'Hearn and Marcell Ozuna in free agency. Still, Pittsburgh entered th year with a total payroll around $102 million, coming in 24th in MLB.
A postseason window is opening. Now is the perfect time to take a shot and add a little more money on the books if it means a playoff appearance.
However, the finances might still be the hurdle the Pirates are facing.
