The Pittsburgh Pirates are eyeing a postseason push this season, but they’ll need to make some serious roster moves before the trade deadline to get there.
With just a few weeks left to make deals, Pittsburgh knows exactly what they need. The bullpen sits at the top of that list, especially with Gregory Soto struggling as the closer.
Zachary D. Rymer of Bleacher Report floated a blockbuster idea that would send the Pirates after one of baseball’s elite closers.
The Trade Proposal
“Trade Proposal: Pittsburgh Pirates get RHP Mason Miller; San Diego Padres get RHP Jared Jones, OF Edward Florentino, (MLB No. 27),” Rymer proposed.
That’s a hefty price tag. We’re talking about Jared Jones, the fan-favorite 24-year-old starter, plus Edward Florentino, one of baseball’s top prospects.
But here’s the thing about Mason Miller – he’s been absolutely electric this season.
The numbers tell the story: 0.89 ERA, 25 saves, 75 strikeouts in just 40.2 innings. He’s not just having a good year; he’s been one of the game’s best relievers for multiple seasons now.
Breaking Down the Cost
Florentino represents the kind of prospect you have to surrender for elite talent. Losing a top-30 prospect stings, but Miller’s under club control through 2029, which changes the math considerably.
Jones is where this gets interesting. The right-hander’s also controlled through 2029 and has become a real favorite among Pirates fans. But Pittsburgh’s rotation runs deep even without him.
Think about it: Paul Skenes, Braxton Ashcraft, Mitch Keller, and Bubba Chandler form a pretty solid core. Trading Jones could also open the door for Carmen Mlodzinski to return to the rotation, where he looked strong earlier this season.
What makes this deal tempting is Miller’s impact potential. The Pirates need someone who can lock down games in October, and Soto hasn’t shown he can handle that pressure consistently.
From where I’m sitting, this trade represents exactly the kind of aggressive move a franchise makes when it believes it’s ready to compete. The cost is significant, but so is the potential payoff of having one of baseball’s premier closers anchoring your bullpen for the next five years.
It’s the sort of deal that could define Pittsburgh’s next few seasons – one way or another.
