Pirates Swap Pitchers With Padres in Buzzer-Beating Deadline Deal

The Pittsburgh Pirates made a deal at the buzzer of the MLB Trade Deadline, sending relief pitcher Hunter Stratton to the San Diego Padres for relief pitcher Andrew Moore.

Stratton appeared in just two games for the Pirates in the 2026 season, posting a 7.71 ERA with two strikeouts and a 2.143 WHIP. In Triple-A, Stratton has appeared in 28 games, as he holds a 3.31 ERA with 33 strikeouts, 19 walks, and a 1.378 WHIP. 

Moore has spent time in Double-A and Triple-A in the Padres organization in 2026. In Double-A, Moore has posted a 1.85 ERA with 45 strikeouts, 24 walks, and a 1.356 WHIP across 20 games. In Triple-A, Moore has struggled, as he holds a 6.14 ERA with 17 strikeouts, 19 walks, and a 2.114 WHIP.

While it wasn't a major deal, Pittsburgh added an intriguing minor league bullpen arm for Stratton, who has struggled at the MLB level.

The Pirates were active in adding to their bullpen at the deadline, as they acquired Luke Weaver, Kirby Yates, and Lake Bachar. Weaver has been one of the best relievers in baseball, as he holds a 1.84 ERA with 45 strikeouts, 11 walks, and a 0.818 WHIP in 42 appearances in the 2026 season. 

Yates, the 39-year-old reliever, has appeared in 31 games for the Los Angeles Angels in 2026, posting a 3.95 ERA with 36 strikeouts, 12 walks, and a 1.171 WHIP. He will be a solid depth piece in the bullpen for the Pittsburgh.

Bachar joins the Pirates from the Miami Marlins and has pitched in 38 games this season. The 31-year-old has a 3.84 ERA with 61 strikeouts, 21 walks, and a 1.091 WHIP.

Having a strong bullpen behind talented starters Paul Skenes, Jared Jones, Braxton Ashcraft, and Bubba Chandler.

Pittsburgh has not made it to the playoffs since the 2015 season, but they have the talent on the roster to make a postseason push. The Pirates hold a 56-57 record, putting them 14 games behind the Milwaukee Brewers for first place in the NL Central, but they are only 3.5 games back from a Wild Card spot.

Pittsburgh added some talented relievers in their quest for their first playoff appearance in over a decade.