5 Veterans Pirates Could Consider Trading This Offseason

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5 Veterans Pirates Could Consider Trading This Offseason

Danny Demilio · Pittsburgh Baseball Now

Fri, October 30, 2026 at 1:54 PM UTC ·

5 min read

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As the Pirates get ready for the start of the offseason, most of their attention will be trying to build off their first winning season since 2018. Pittsburgh finished the year 82-80 but failed to make the postseason for an 11th straight year.

While general manager Ben Cherington will be looking to add to the roster, he could also consider trading away established players for several reasons.

From creating financial flexibility, to roster construction, to handling a tricky situation, here are five players the Pirates could consider trading this winter.

RHP Mitch Keller

From 2022-25, Mitch Keller was a reliable innings eater who even earned an All-Star nod in 2023. Keller had been someone who was guaranteed to take the ball every fifth day and keep his team in position to win more often than not.

But Keller's 2026 season was his worst in five years. The right-hander went 6-8 with a 5.29 ERA in 22 starts. To make matters worse, he missed the final two months of the season with a right arm teres muscle injury. It was his first stint on the IL due to an arm issue in his career.

Looking to next year, Keller, 30, will make $18.4 million. He'll earn $20.4 million the following season — the last of a five-year extension he signed in 2024. The Pirates are already projected to have a $100 million payroll for 2027. Creating financial flexibility by dealing Keller could be a wise move.

Chances of trade:Possible, perhaps likely if the Pirates can find a partner

RHP Carmen Mlodzinski

Another pitcher who could be on a new team in 2027 but for a different reason than Keller is Carmen Mlodzinski . The right-hander opened the season as a starting pitcher but was moved back to the bullpen at the end of May upon Jared Jones' return from the IL.

The Pirates had to place Mlodzinski on the restricted list for a game on May 31 when he said he didn't feel physically or mentally ready to pitch. He later said he wanted to talk about his future. After that, there wasn't much of a fuss. Mlodzinski returned from the restricted list the following day and pitched out of the bullpen down the stretch. He ended the year 8-7 with a 3.95 ERA in 37 appearances/12 starts.

Mlodzinski has been so good out of the bullpen throughout his career, though he's continually expressed his desire to be a starting pitcher. He likely won't get that opportunity in Pittsburgh. Despite being a big piece of the bullpen, the Pirates could consider moving him.

Chances of trade:Possible

INF Nick Gonzales

Gonzales is fresh off his best season in the big leagues. The 27-year-old was one of seven players to finish with a .300 batting average this season. He ended the year with a .303/367/.388 batting line with 27 doubles, a triple, six home runs, 61 RBI and seven steals.

While it was a solid season for Gonzales at the plate, it was anything but in the field. The addition of Brandon Lowe at second base forced Gonzales to third. It was essentially a new position for Gonzales, who ended the year with minus-15 DRS.

If the Pirates re-sign Lowe, it's difficult to see how Gonzales fits into the team's plans. But if Lowe walks in free agency, Gonzales probably is the starting second baseman on Opening Day.

Chances of trade:Quite possible if Lowe returns but unlikely since Lowe is expected to sign elsewhere

1B Spencer Horwitz

Horwitz's 2027 season can be split into two categories — pre and post-injury. In 74 games through June 24, Horwitz was one of the Pirates' better players. He carried a .280/.386/.455 batting line with 11 doubles, one triple, 10 home runs and 33 RBI prior to landing on the IL with a hamstring strain.

The 28-year-old returned to the field on Aug. 2 and appeared in 40 games to end the season. He posted a lowly .180/.263/.201 batting line with three doubles, no home runs and 16 RBI during that time.

Horwitz was Pittsburgh's top hitter in 2025 after he was acquired in the offseason. But depending on the moves the Pirates make this offseason, Horwitz could be a trade candidate. They need to be better against left-handed pitching, and they have an alternative solution at first base in Ryan O'Hearn, who is better suited there than in the outfield.

Chances of trade:Unlikely

OF Bryan Reynolds

Reynolds played all 162 games for the Pirates and led baseball with 40 doubles. He ended the year with a solid .261/.365/.424 batting line with three triples, 17 home runs, 72 RBI and nine stolen bases.

Reynolds is the longest-tenured Pirate and has been a key piece for the team since making his debut in 2019. He's twice been named an All-Star during his tenure in Pittsburgh and for the most part has been a consistent contributor.

But as with Keller, the Pirates could be looking for some addition financial flexibility this offseason. Reynolds, who will turn 32 this offseason, will make a combined $61 million over the next four years. There's also a $20 million club option and a $2 million buyout for 2031. It's possible the Pirates look to get rid of that contract.

Chances of trade:Unlikely

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