The Pittsburgh Pirates must address their bullpen before the MLB trade deadline.
At this point during the 2026 season, the Pittsburgh Pirates have a pretty good idea of their team. They’re aware of their strengths and weaknesses, which position groups are meeting or exceeding expectations in, and which areas need more attention.
With that in mind, and the trade deadline rapidly approaching, it’s very clear where the Pirates must add to if they want to stay in the playoff hunt and hopefully get their first playoff berth in over a decade.
The Pirates need to add one or two more arms to their bullpen.
Pittsburgh’s team reliever ERA is currently 4.36 and a WHIP of 1.38, both of which rank in the back half of MLB.
Not only that, but the Pirates’ stats have been even worse in high-leverage situations. In that scenario, Pittsburgh owns an 8.72 ERA and a 5.52 WHIP. The Pirates are also tied for the most blown saves in baseball with 17.
These numbers simply won’t cut it as games get tighter down to the wire. And it certainly won’t work in October if the Pirates find themselves in a potential playoff series, when the depth of a bullpen could be the x-factor in a team advancing or going home early.
Jun 21, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates manager Don Kelly (12) talks to home plate umpire Todd Tichenor (13) in the sixth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn ImagesThe Pirates do have some solid options in the bullpen, but it’s about finding consistent roles for each pitcher. Three Pittsburgh pitchers have recorded a save this year: Gregory Soto (11), Dennis Santana (two), and Yohan Ramirez (one).
Finding a true closer, or adding another high-leverage arm and committing to Soto in that role, would provide so much more depth to Pittsburgh’s bullpen.
Could the Pirates be in play for a reunion with Ardolis Chapman? Veteran Pete Fairbanks could be an intriguing option for Pittsburgh. AJ Minter could be another intriguing trade target if the New York Mets commit to being sellers.
It might take another month for a pitcher to become available, when some of the teams on the playoff bubble, including the Pirates, determine whether or not they want to be buyers or sellers.
That said, there should be some relievers available before August 3, and the Pirates must acquire one.
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