Pirates Linked in Trade for Orioles Outfielder

Ward has been an average MLB hitter throughout his career, slashing .246/.336/.426 for an OPS of .762, but there is one area where the Pirates would want his bat.

The Pirates have struggled massively against left-handed pitching this season, 10-23 overall and had lost five straight games to lefties before their 4-1 win over Andrew Abbott and the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park on Aug. 2.

Ward has hit well against lefties this season, batting .262/.409/.421 for an OPS of .829, with four home runs, 11 RBI and 28 walks to 26 strikeouts.

He isn't the most impressive hitter, but Ward has great plate discipline, rarely chasing and whiffing, while his 17.3% walk rate is amongst the best in baseball.

The Pirates have had one of the better offenses in baseball this season, but there is always a need for more bats if they can obtain them.

Pittsburgh has dealt with a rash of injuries, which includes center fielder Oneil Cruz, first baseman Spencer Horwitz, shortstop Konnor Griffin and now slugger Ryan O'Hearn, who has a six-to-eight week injury return timeline from a right quad strain.

The Pirates just haven't had success against lefties, outside of Cruz making massive improvements and the right-handed Griffin.

Pittsburgh's right-handed batters include utility man Jared Triolo, reserve outfielder Billy Cook, struggling designated hitter Marcell Ozuna and catcher Henry Davis.

The Pirates do have power-hitting Esmerlyn Valdez and third baseman Nick Gonzales, hitting .315 in 2026, but there is clearly a need for me.

Ward could fill a role as a right-handed bat the Pirates can rely on and also provide necessary corner outfield depth.

Will the Pirates Trade for Ward?

There is steep competition for Ward, who is one of a few options in a thin trade market for outfielders at the deadline.

MLB teams that want to acquire Ward will have to do so at a higher price than they'd normally be willing to pay, especially for a player who hits free agency next season.

The Pirates main needs are their bullpen, as they traded for New York Yankees right-handed relief pitcher Camilo Doval on Aug. 1, and will likely make more moves there.

It's not impossible to see the Pirates try and make a move for a bat, especially someone like Ward, but with the competition and lack of team control, they'll likely look elsewhere for that offense if they so choose.