The Pittsburgh Pirates wrapped up a busy draft weekend, selecting 21 players across seven rounds and headlining the class with first‑round prospect Derek Curiel. The excitement carried into the trade market as the club announced a deal with the Chicago White Sox that sent infielder Jacob Gonzalez and reliever Brandon Eisert to Pittsburgh in exchange for the 34th overall pick and prospect Jaden Woods.
Draft Success Fuels Trade Ambitions
General manager Ben Cherington has made it clear that the Pirates are poised to act as buyers before the August 3 deadline, targeting upgrades for a bullpen that currently sits 23rd in the majors with a 4.48 ERA. The team’s offense, meanwhile, remains one of the most potent in the league, ranking atop the majors with 515 runs scored, while the rotation boasts All‑Stars Paul Skenes and Braxton Ashcraft.
At 50‑47, Pittsburgh is two games behind the Miami Marlins for the final wild‑card spot, a position that has sparked optimism among players such as Ke’Bryan Hayes and Konnor Griffin, who are eager to see the club capitalize on its momentum.
The club’s recent moves have also drawn attention from local media, with 93.7 The Fan providing daily coverage of the team’s progress and the potential impact of new acquisitions on the playoff picture.