The Pittsburgh Pirates are currently staring down a 6.5-game deficit from an NL Wild Card spot with a 61-64 record, and man, does that sting even harder when you remember they went all-in at the 2026 MLB trade deadline. They beefed up their bullpen big time, pouring resources into relievers, but let’s be real: it just hasn’t mattered. Three other clubs are already at least three full games closer to that Wild Card spot, which tells you everything you need to know about where the Pirates are sitting right now.
Their Big Deadline Bet Is Looking Like a Major Blunder
Tim Kelly from Bleacher Report is out there saying what a lot of us are thinking: the Pirates might already be regretting their decision to buy at the deadline. Why? Because the opportunity to be major sellers could’ve totally set them up for way more long-term success. Kelly straight up wrote, “As much as it was nice to see owner Bob Nutting spend a bit last offseason and authorize general manager Ben Cherington to add before the deadline, the Pirates may end up wishing they sold.” You saw how much excitement there was for the fanbase when they finally decided to try and make a real postseason push. But fast forward a couple of weeks, and their 5-8 record since the deadline is making those “fun” moves look super questionable.
The Fallout: Missed Opportunity and Mounting Regret
Think about what they added: Luke Weaver, Camilo Doval, Kirby Yates, and Lake Bachar at the deadline, plus Jacob Gonzalez earlier in the year. Those were supposed to be the pieces that put them over the top. Instead, they are floundering. Imagine the haul they could’ve gotten if they had decided to sell! Kelly pointed out that impending free agents like Brandon Lowe and Gregory Soto would have generated a ton of interest from contenders. Lowe, especially, could’ve fetched a massive return. Soto would’ve been a nice trade chip too. On top of that, they had other guys like Endy Rodriguez, Spencer Horwitz, Oneil Cruz, or Carmen Mlodzinski who could’ve brought back strong returns in what was definitely a seller’s market. Not making those moves to bolster the farm system, all while watching this team struggle, has to be crushing.
Sure, they could still pull off some wild run and somehow claw their way into the postseason. But if they don’t, if this 6.5-game gap holds, their decision to buy will be a tough pill to swallow. Especially if some of those prospects they would’ve received in a trade turn into quality big leaguers elsewhere. That’s the kind of regret that sticks with a franchise for years.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
Leave a Reply