Pirates' two glaring MLB trade deadline needs brought to light by ex-GM

The Pittsburgh Pirates have been fun to follow during the 2026 season. 

Some nights, they are must-watch. 

Paul Skenes is one of the best pitchers in the world, if not the best. Oneil Cruz is having a stellar year at the plate, and rookie shortstop Konnor Griffin is bringing energy into PNC Park. 

The cloud hanging over the Pirates' heads is the fact that they haven't made the postseason in over a decade. They lost to the Chicago Cubs in the 2015 NL Wild Card Game. 

But The Athletic's Jim Bowden believes the organization is trending in the right direction. So much so that he predicts the NL Central club will be a buyer at the trade deadline. 

"Likely buyers. The Pirates need another middle-of-the-order bat for either third base, catcher, or designated hitter, and to improve their bullpen quality and depth," Bowden wrote. 

The Pirates reportedly made attempts to sign Kyle Schwarber and Eugenio Suarez during the offseason, failing to land either. A power hitter like one of those two players should be someone the Pirates target for third base. 

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Alec Bohm of the Philadelphia Phillies is a change-of-scenery target, but he's hit just four home runs during his down year at the plate. 

Pittsburgh may have to get aggressive in its search for a new bat. As Bowden mentioned, adding bullpen depth never hurts either. 

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