The Pittsburgh Pirates can still improve the bullpen without substantially increasing payroll.
It still remains to be see what the Pittsburgh Pirates' strategy is at the trade deadline.
GM Ben Cherington believes there could be room for financial flexibility, but earlier reports suggest otherwise.
Either way, Pittsburgh needs help in the bullpen.
Here are three low-cost options the Pirates should target, especially if they're not looking to dramatically increase payroll.
Michael Petersen
If the Miami Marlins end up being sellers, they could move some of the most intriguing pieces at the deadline.
One pitcher the Pirates should have on their radar is Michael Petersen, who is only making $792K this season.
Despite the small contract, the veteran is putting together a phenomenal season, with a 2.84 ERA and a 1.02 WHIP. He also has a strikeout rate of 29% (89th percentile).
Petersen is obviously no Mason Miller, but he'd still be a boost for the bullpen, and a cheap one at that.
Jul 8, 2026; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Marlins relief pitcher Michael Petersen (49) throws in the eighth inning against the Seattle Mariners at loanDepot Park. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn ImagesPaul Sewald
Paul Sewald is currently pitching in his ninth big-league season. The 36-year-old has been around a while, and that experience includes plenty of playoff experience.
The right-hander may not be the same pitcher he was a few years back when he racked up 81 saves from 2021-23.
So far this season, Sewald has a whiff rate of 29.1% (78th percentile), a strikeout rate of 28.1% (85th percentile), and a 1.01 WHIP. The veteran's 5.26 is concerning, but primarily due to Sewald's struggles with allowing hard contact.
Sewald signed a one-year $1.5 million contract for the 2026 season. He would provide another ninth-inning option and some much-needed swing-and-miss to the bullpen.
Plus, the Pirates wouldn't be committed to him after the year is over.
Brock Burke
The Pirates and Cincinnati Reds made a trade at last year's deadline, so why not make another at this one?
For as shaky as the Reds' bullpen has been this season, Burke has been one of the long bright spots in the reliever core.
It's simple: Burke owns a 2.61 ERA and a 1.30 WHUP in 54 games this season. The 29-year-old is putting together a career-best year in 2026, and the Pirates could
Burke is in the last year of arbitration before becoming a free agent at the end of the season. His $2.3 million contract may be on the expensive side of low-cost, but trading for the veteran would also be a low-risk, high-reward move for the Pittsburgh Pirates.
