Braves Eyeing Pirates’ $55 Million Arm as Early Trade Deadline Target

“Chief among [trade options], at least to this point, is left-hander Andrew Heaney,” Treuden wrote. “He’s on an expiring contract while suiting up for the last-place Pirates. He’s elevated his game in 2025.”

The numbers don’t lie. Through five starts, Heaney has posted a 1.72 ERA and an NL-best 0.766 WHIP, while limiting opponents to minimal damage over 31.1 innings. At 34 years old and signed to a modest one-year, $5.25 million deal, Heaney is shaping up to be one of the most attractive rental arms on the market.

And with Pittsburgh quickly sliding out of contention in the NL Central, the Pirates are expected to shop their top trade chips sooner rather than later.

That timeline could play perfectly into Atlanta’s hands.

While the Braves hope to get Spencer Strider (UCL injury) and Reynaldo López (arm fatigue) back in the rotation by late July, neither return is a certainty. The club needs stability in the short term, not just reinforcements after the deadline.

Enter Heaney.

The Braves’ rotation depth in the minors has helped them stay afloat, but adding a proven veteran like Heaney in May—rather than waiting until the final week of July—could be the difference between holding the line and gaining ground in the NL East.

Even more appealing? The cost. As a rental on an affordable contract, Heaney isn’t likely to command a premium prospect haul. For a Braves front office that’s historically savvy with midseason acquisitions, this could be a value-add move with major upside.

Heaney has earned over $55 million in his career, but his resurgence in Pittsburgh may now earn him another run with a contender—this time in Atlanta, where expectations remain World Series-or-bust.

Buying high isn’t always wise. But in this case, Atlanta might just strike while the lefty is hot.