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Potential Early Pirates Trade Candidates This Offseason
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- Potential Early Pirates Trade Candidates This Offseason
The Pittsburgh Pirates are always a team ready to make a trade, and their offseason should be no exception to that.
Here are three early trade candidates currently on Pittsburgh's roster.
Paul Skenes
Trade rumors surrounding Paul Skenes started well before the superstar pitcher made his MLB debut in 2024. There's no reason to think that they're going to stop this winter.
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In fact, trade speculation has already begun, with a recent report suggesting his salary could be outside Pittsburgh's comfort zone as early as next season.
Pittsburgh shouldn't be actively searching to move Skenes this winter. However, if the front office deep down knows that they have no chance of keeping the All-Star long-term, they at least have to entertain the idea of what
If the Pirates get a trade package they simply can't refuse, it wouldn't be shocking to see Skenes moved before Opening Day 2027.
Jul 27, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Mitch Keller (23) delivers a pitch against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the first inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
Mitch Keller
It might be time for the Pirates to move on from Mitch Keller. He's had some high moments in Pittsburgh, but even the best partnerships might come to an end.
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With that in mind, Keller being traded this winter wouldn't be the most shocking move of all time.
Keller's stats haven't been great over the last few years and aren't headed in the best direction, either. He finished the 2026 season on the injured list after recording a 5.29 ERA in 22 starts.
However, Keller is still under team control as a starter for the next eight seasons, and that's more valuable than some realize.
There's likely at least one team out there that would take a flier on him. Plus, if Pittsburgh feels they need to trade Keller to recoup any sort of value on his contract extension, this offseason would be the time to do it.
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Ryan O'Hearn
Would the Pirates really trade Ryan O'Hearn just one year after signing the veteran to a two-year free agent contract last offseason?
It's certainly possible.
O'Hearn's first season in Pittsburgh was solid; it wasn't bad, but it wasn't great either. His .770 OPS in 2026 declined from where it was in 2026, but it was still above the 33-year-old's career average.
In a world where the Pirates potentially lose out on re-signing Brandon Lowe , the front office could once again commit to a young core for the 2027 season. In that case, exploring trade scenarios surrounding O'Hearn could make a lot of sense.
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The upcoming free agent class isn't as strong as in past years. A team searching for a veteran hitter might need to turn to trade rather than signing, and that's where a potential O'Hearn trade could arise.
