Pirates Trade Relief Pitcher to Orioles

PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Pirates have finally reached the All-Star break, but are still making roster changes ahead of the second half of the season.

The Pirates traded right-handed relief pitcher Cam Sanders to the Baltimore Orioles for cash considerations on July 13.

Pittsburgh designated Sanders for assignment on July 11, after optioning him to Triple-A Indianapolis on July 10, as they needed a roster spot for the additions of left-handed pitcher Brandon Eisert and infielder Jacob Gonzalez, who joined the team in a trade with the Chicago White Sox on July 10.

Sanders had five different stints with the Pirates in 2026, making nine appearances out of the bullpen and posting a 8.68 ERA over 9.1 innings pitched, 13 strikeouts to 10 walks, a .250 batting average allowed (BAA) and a 2.04 WHIP.

The Pirates trading Sanders means that the Orioles had interest in him and were willing to get ahead of the competition, by sending some money for him.

Pittsburgh would've also had to put Sanders on waivers if they optioned him again that season, as he was in an option year, but six options puts a player on waivers, so they got ahead of themslves by doing this.

The Pirates have seven pitchers in their bullpen, four right-handers in Isaac Mattson, Carmen Mlodzinski, Yohan Ramírez and Dennis Santana, plus three left-handers in Eisert, Mason Montgomery and Gregory Soto.

Pittsburgh has one more available spot in their bullpen after optioning rookie right-handed pitcher Antwone Kelly to Indianapolis on July 12, with a corresponding move coming ahead of their next series vs. the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field, July 17-19.