The Pirates find themselves in the midst of another playoff run which means they will look to be buyers once again on the trade market.
With the recent injury bug to the starting rotation and troubles in the bullpen, the team has been seen looking at some potential arms to acquire.
A.J. Burnett: Jon Heyman of CBS Sports reports the Pirates have “mild at best” interest in the former Pirate as they are not on Burnett’s no-trade clause. However, Heyman believes the Pirates wont trade for Burnett if he chooses to pick up his club option for next year which looks to be upwards of $12.75M.
Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports agrees.
#Phillies’ Burnett not only prefers #Pirates as next club, but Bucs players said to be lobbying for his return. Player option may be issue…
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 22, 2014
…for #Pirates. Burnett at 21 starts for #Phillies. Option value is $8.5M at 24 starts, $10M at 27, $11.75M at 30 and maximum $12.75M at 32.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 22, 2014
In 22 games started this season, Burnett is 6-9 with a 3.86 ERA in 144 2/3 innings with 119 strikeouts and 62 walks.
Ian Kennedy: Ken Rosenthal has also reported that the Pirates have scouted Padres starter Ian Kennedy in the past couple days.
#Pirates, #Royals among teams that scouted #Padres’ Kennedy last night. Pirates looking for SP and RP. Royals keeping all options open.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 19, 2014
Kennedy is 8-9 in 22 starts this season with a 3.66 ERA in 135 1/3 innings with 143 strikeouts and 42 walks.
Joaquin Benoit: The Pirates are also looking into the Padres bullpen as they have shown interest in Benoit.
Heyman reports the Padres are hesitant to move their new closer after shipping off Huston Street earlier in the month.
Benoit is 4-2 in 40 appearances with the Padres with a 1.99 ERA and a 0.836 WHIP in 40 2/3 innings with 47 strikeouts and 11 walks. He could potentially be the Pirates 8th inning man allowing Melancon to stay in the closers role while allowing Tony Watson to work more high-leveraged situations.
Antonio Bastardo: Jerry Crasnick of ESPN reported the Pirates and many other teams had scouts on hand to watch Bastardo pitch a few days ago.
#Tigers, #bluejays, #orioles, #brewers, #angels, #royals, #sfgiants. #Rangers, #dbacks and #pirates have scouts in Philly tonight.
— Jerry Crasnick (@jcrasnick) July 21, 2014
Bastardo is 4-3 with a 3.27 ERA in 44 innings with 53 strikeouts and 24 walks while posting a 1.114 WHIP. He has been the Phillies 8th inning man this season and could help the back-end of the bullpen.
Diamondbacks bullpen (Oliver Perez): Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports has reported that the Pirates have been scouting the Diamondbacks bullpen with former Pirate Oliver Perez possibly being the target.
Pirates have been scouting DBacks relievers. Of note: A lefty by the name of Oliver Perez is part of the Arizona bullpen.
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) July 23, 2014
Perez is 0-1 with a 1.91 ERA in 42 appearances with 44 strikeouts and 13 walks in 37 2/3 innings while posting a 1.115 WHIP. He has been used more a the guy to bridge the gap between the starters and the back-end of the bullpen which could help the roles of Jared Hughes, Justin Wilson and Ernesto Frieri.
Stay with PSN for continuing coverage of the 2014 MLB trade deadline as we approach the July 31, 4 pm deadline.
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(Photo Credit: Getty Images)
