Three relievers the Pirates should target ahead of trade deadline

There is no question that the Pittsburgh Pirates are better this season than they have been in recent memory.

The Pirates' decision to overhaul their lineup has worked out better than anyone could have anticipated. They are tied with the Nationals with 516 runs scored, the most in the majors. The rotation has been relatively solid, even with Paul Skenes struggling this season.

However, the bullpen is a different story. Pirates relievers have combined for a 4.48 ERA, 23rd in the majors, and have blown 16 of their 35 save opportunities. If the Pirates are going to claim a playoff berth this year, they will need to address the bullpen ahead of the Aug. 3 trade deadline.

Three relievers the Pittsburgh Pirates should target

1. Antonio Senzatela

A relatively middling starter for much of his career, Senzatela has thrived as a member of the Rockies' bullpen. He has posted a 3.31 ERA and a 1.224 WHiP over his 49 innings, striking out 42 batters with 16 walks.

While Senzatela would not be the answer for the Pirates' ninth-inning woes, he would still upgrade the middle of the Pirates' bullpen. His ability to generate weak contact, coupled with his ability to generate ground balls, would make Senzatela an ideal fit as a middle reliever.

2. Kirby Yates

The 39-year-old Yates did not make his 2026 debut until May 8 due to left knee inflammation, but he has made up for lost time. Yates has posted a 3.00 ERA and a 1.000 WHiP over his 21 innings, striking out 28 batters with seven walks. As strong as that performance has been, Yates has been even better in his last 12 appearances, allowing only two runs, one earned, on five hits and two walks with 15 strikeouts in his 10.2 innings.

Yates has experience as a closer, recording over 30 saves twice in his career. He has seemingly taken over as the Angels' closer, providing an excellent chance to audition for a high-leverage role on a contending team. Although he would be a rental option, Yates could provide an upgrade in the ninth inning.

3. Mason Miller

The Padres shocked the baseball world when they acquired Miller ahead of the 2025 trade deadline. He could be on the move again, as USA Today's Bob Nightengale reported that rival executives are keeping a close eye on the Padres should Miller become available. Padres general manager A.J. Preller did not close the door on a possible trade, saying that they will be "open-minded" about improving the team.

The Pirates have the type of prospects who could entice the Padres to send Miller to Pittsburgh. He is in the midst of another dominant season, posting a 0.91 ERA and a 0.782 WHiP over his 39.2 innings, striking out 72 batters with 13 walks. As Miller has over three years of team control left, he would be a long-term answer in the ninth inning for a team that desperately needs one.