Pittsburgh Pirates Seek Bullpen Help Through Trades

The Pittsburgh Pirates are struggling with their bullpen, which has been a major weak spot for the team this season. With 15 blown saves, the Pirates are tied for fourth-most in baseball, and their relievers have converted just 16 of 31 save opportunities. General manager Ben Cherington is considering outside help, including veteran pitcher Aroldis Chapman, who spent the 2024 season with the Pirates. Chapman is currently playing for the Boston Red Sox, but with the team last in the AL East, he could be an enticing trade chip. Another option is Antonio Senzatela, who is having a superb season with the Colorado Rockies, but with the team well out of contention, they may be looking to offload unnecessary payroll. The Pirates' current bullpen deployment could be disrupted if they were to acquire Chapman, with Gregory Soto's role as closer potentially being affected. Soto, who is in his first year with the Pirates, had not been utilized as a closer since 2022 with the Tigers, but has been performing well in the role this season. The Pirates' bullpen ERA is currently 20th in MLB, and their WHIP is 22nd, so adding a experienced pitcher like Chapman or Senzatela could make a significant difference. The trade market is expected to be busy in the coming weeks, and the Pirates will be looking to make some key moves to improve their chances in the NL Central division. With the team currently lingering around .500, they will need to make some significant improvements if they want to stay in contention. The Pirates' offense has been quiet at times, and the starters have not performed to their full potential, but the bullpen has been the major weak spot for the team. By addressing this issue, the Pirates can improve their overall performance and make a push for the playoffs.