Proposed blockbuster Pirates trade sees Pittsburgh land $426 million three-time MVP, would be major upgrade over Oneil Cruz after disastrous 2026 start

The Pittsburgh Pirates have had a rough start to the 2026 season, even after making multiple moves this offseason to try to become a contender. Oneil Cruz has been a major factor, as his mistakes in the field cost the Pirates a lot of runs, and his bat isn’t helping so far either.

FanSided’s Christopher Kline believes he has a solution, proposing that the Pirates should call the Los Angeles Angels, and try to acquire MLB superstar Mike Trout. Trout has had an explosive start to the season, and is exactly what the Pirates need right now.

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“The Pittsburgh Pirates reportedly offered Kyle Schwarber four years and $125 million this offseason. He wound up back in Philly as expected, but it's clear the Bucs have a bit of cash to spend these days. Pittsburgh eventually added the likes of Brandon Lowe and Ryan O'Hearn, but after back-to-back losses to the Mets to start the year, it certainly can't hurt to add another bat. The Pirates can certainly use a defensive upgrade over Oneil Cruz in center field, too. Trout's remaining contract comes out to roughly five years and $155.6 million. That's a bit more than the Schwarber contract, and it comes with significantly more downside risk tied to age and injury history. And yet, if he can improve Pittsburgh's porous defense at a critical position and give the Pirates that long-lost superstar bat in the middle of the order, they start to feel like a genuine threat in the National League. Especially when factoring in the inevitable Konnor Griffin call-up.,” Kline wrote.

So far this season, Trout has slashed .556/.733/1.222/1.956 with five hits, two of which were home runs, three RBI and a stolen base in three games. For reference, Cruz is slashing .167/.167/.167/.333 with one hit in two games.

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As for his contract, he’s currently in year eight of a 12-year, $426.5 million deal. As Kline mentions, this is around $30 million higher than what the Buccos offered Schwarber, but factoring in who he’d be replacing, it could be worth it.

Overall, Trout is a much better player than Cruz, and while he’s much older, he provides what Pittsburgh needs: the ability to help the Pirates contend now. Hopefully, the Buccos realize this, and get to work.

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