The Pittsburgh Pirates could bolster their bullpen at the trade deadline.
The Pittsburgh Pirates have been a solid team in the 2026 season, as they hold a 46-45 record. However, they are in a competitive division in the NL Central, as they sit in fourth place, 10.5 games behind the Milwaukee Brewers for first place.
While the Pirates likely won't be vying for the division crown, they are only three games back from a Wild Card spot. With Pittsburgh close to playoff baseball for the first time since 2015, they could be aggressive in adding talent at the trade deadline.
In The Athletic's trade deadline article, Jim Bowden names Luke Weaver as the best fit for the Pirates to acquire. Pittsburgh could use more help in the bullpen, and Weaver has played well for the New York Mets this season.
New York has been one of the worst teams in baseball, holding a 37-53 record, making them potential sellers at the trade deadline.
Weaver has appeared in 35 games for the Mets, posting a 1.95 ERA and 0.78 WHIP with 41 strikeouts. The 32-year-old would be a versatile arm for the Pirates' bullpen as he has shown the ability to be in a set-up role, throw multiple innings, or come in as a closer on occasion.
Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn ImagesWeaver has not recorded a save for the Mets in the 2026 season, but had eight saves for the New York Yankees in the 2025 season.
The Pirates were aggressive in the offseason to add more talent and maximize the value of a young superstar like Paul Skenes. Skenes is having a down year compared to his first two seasons, but he is still pitching at a high level, and Pittsburgh wants to get him into the postseason sooner rather than later.
The additions of Brandon Lowe and Ryan O'Hearn have bolstered the Pirates' lineup. Lowe is slashing .242/.316/.498 with 21 home runs, 20 doubles, 63 RBIs, 54 runs, and an .815 OPS.
O'Hearn has also played well, hitting .284/.344/.463 with 13 home runs, 12 doubles, 51 RBIs, 44 runs, and an .807 OPS.
With Pittsburgh's talented young rotation, led by Skenes, and a solid lineup, led by Lowe and O'Hearn, the Pirates could look to improve the bullpen at the trade deadline, with Weaver as a potential target.
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