Three potential trade chips for the Pirates

The 2025 season has been yet another lost year for the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Manager Derek Shelton was fired on May 8 after a 12-26 record to start the season. Don Kelly, who replaced Shelton, has been better, leading the Pirates to an 18-22 record thus far. Despite that improvement, the Pirates entered Sunday with the third-worst record in the majors and will once again look toward the future.

The Pirates have some interesting players that could be on the trade block. Let's take a look at three players the Pirates could deal at the deadline.

Mitch Keller

In theory, a pitcher with a 1-10 record would not have much of a market. However, in Keller's case, his record does not match his performance, as he is tied for third in the National League with 11 quality starts. Keller has also been a bit unlucky this season as his 4.02 ERA is 79 points higher than his 3.23 FIP.

Signed to a five-year, $77.5 million extension ahead of the 2024 season, Keller would be far more than a rental. He would be a longer-term answer for a team looking to shore up the middle to back of the rotation, potentially providing more upside than any other pitcher that could come available. With the Pirates' impressive crop of young pitchers, Keller could bring back several needed pieces to improve the lineup going forward.

Isiah Kiner-Falefa

Although Kiner-Falefa has been the Pirates primary shortstop this season, his greatest ability is his defensive versatility. He has seen action at second, third, center and left as well as at shortstop, providing solid defense regardless of where he is defensively. Kiner-Falefa has been solid with the bat as well this season, posting a .280/.325/.349 batting line with 10 doubles and nine steals in his 237 plate appearances entering Sunday.

That defensive versatility and speed could make Kiner-Falefa a sought-after option ahead of the trade deadline. Teams are always looking to improve their depth, especially if that utility option would not be a negative in the lineup. Kiner-Falefa may not be a flashy addition, but he could bring a decent return to Pittsburgh.

Dennis Santana

Santana had been a mediocre reliever until the Pirates plucked him off the waiver wire just over a year ago. Since then, he has been a dominant force in the back of the Pirates' bullpen, posting a 2.11 ERA and a 0.874 WHiP over 76.2 innings, striking out 75 batters with just 16 walks. Santana took over as the Pirates' closer when David Bednar struggled and was sent down to Triple-A earlier in the season.

There are some concerns with Santana. He is facing a four-game suspension after his aggressive actions toward a fan. He has also turned himself into a dependable setup man who can handle the ninth inning if needed. Contending teams are always looking to improve the bullpen and Santana could be the missing piece for several playoff hopefuls.