The Pittsburgh Pirates sit at 53‑52, just above the .500 mark, and are perched two games behind the Arizona Diamondbacks for the final National League wild‑card spot. The club’s front office has already been active, adding Jacob Gonzalez, Brandon Eisert and Ron Marinaccio in recent deals, and the new infielder has already made his presence felt in the lineup.
A Bullpen Under Pressure
The relief unit ranks 22nd in Major League Baseball with a 4.50 ERA and has squandered 19 of 39 save opportunities, a statistic that has not escaped the notice of general manager Ben Cherington.
Cherington has repeatedly stressed that the team will keep an open mind about any move that could tighten the back end, whether that means acquiring a proven closer or adding depth that can eat innings.
The Pirates’ payroll is among the highest in the league, giving the front office flexibility to absorb additional salary in exchange for talent that can push the club over the finish line. While the trade deadline looms on Aug. 3, Cherington says the focus remains on improving the roster rather than merely meeting a statistical target.
If the Pirates can stabilize the bullpen and maintain the offensive spark that Gonzalez has provided, the team believes it has a realistic shot at October baseball. The front office’s willingness to pivot and the depth of the farm system could prove decisive as the stretch run unfolds.