The Pittsburgh Pirates did not add another right-handed hitter at the trade deadline, when it was clear they needed one.
The Pittsburgh Pirates' top priority was clear heading into the MLB trade deadline: improving the bullpen by any means necessary.
The front office did just that with the additions of Luke Weaver, Camilo Doval, and Kirby Yates, just to name a few.
The Pirates now have a few proven, veteran arms who will hopefully lock down the back-end innings.
However, there is one area where the Pirates did not address that the team might regret down the stretch. Pittsburgh did not add another right-handed hitter to their lineup, even after their struggles against left-handed pitchers have been on full display over the past few weeks.
Since the All-Star Break, Pittsburgh's right-handed hitters are slashing .230/.318/.342 at the plate. Their 85 wRC+ ranks in the back half of baseball during that stretch, too.
This has been an issue for the Pirates all season long, too. Since the start of the season, Pittsburgh's right-handers have a 92 wRC+, which ranks 25th in MLB, and is heavily propped up by Esmerlyn Valdez's production.
Jul 20, 2026; Bronx, New York, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates right fielder Esmerlyn Valdez (55) hits a two run home run during the third inning against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn ImagesAs the Pirates look to get back on track in the playoff race, opposing teams could continue to expose Pittsburgh's unbalanced lineup, with no true avenues to change it.
It's not like there weren't any right-handed hitters moved at the deadline, or the Pirates weren't willing to buy. Both were true.
Lane Thomas and Jo Adell were the two most notable players who fit this mold and were traded.
Especially if the Pirates knew that Marcell Ozuna's time with the organization was coming to an end, it would have made sense to go out and trade for another right-handed presence that could have taken his spot on the roster.
Instead, Pittsburgh is relying on the players already in the organization to change the narrative.
Pittsburgh could be in a better spot if Konnor Griffin can get back on the field and Esmerlyn Valdez continues to make MLB history as a rookie, but that's a lot of pressure to put on two players who are still very young.
Jhostynxon Garcia was recently recalled and swings from the right side of the plate, but he's had an overwhelming season up to this point, too.
The Pirates addressed their biggest need at the trade deadline, but in doing so, they also might have created another hole on the roster.
