Pirates continue to bolster bullpen with pair of deals ahead of deadline

The Pittsburgh Pirates' overhaul of their relief corps continued to the wire of the trade deadline.

Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon of The Athletic reported that the Pirates acquired reliever Kirby Yates from the Los Angeles Angels. Additionally, ESPN's Jeff Passan reported that the Pirates added reliever Lake Bachar in a separate deal with the Marlins. Jonathan Mayo from MLB.com reported that pitcher Kyle Robinson will be heading to Los Angeles for Yates. Colin Beazley of The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported that pitcher Brandan Bidois, infielder Hyun Seung Lee and outfielder Brian Sanchez are heading to Miami. None of those players were among the Pirates' top 30 prospects.

Yates gives the Pirates another solid reliever with closer experience. He missed the first month of the season due to left knee inflammation but has performed well since his return. Yates has posted a 3.95 ERA and a 1.171 WHiP over his 27.1 innings entering Monday, striking out 36 batters with 12 walks.

Bachar had emerged as a late-inning option for the Marlins. He has posted a 3.84 ERA and a 1.091 WHiP over his 58.2 innings entering Monday, striking out 61 batters with 21 walks. He should slot into a setup role in Pittsburgh.

Pittsburgh Pirates focus on bullpen at trade deadline leads to sweeping changes

An 11th-round selection in the 2024 MLB Draft, Robinson has a mid 90s fastball and a changeup that can flash plus, but has problems consistently throwing his slider for strikes. The continued development of his slider may determine whether or not Robinson can stick in the rotation or will move to a middle reliever role.

Bidois is an intriguing relief prospect with a plus fastball and slider. His fastball can reach triple digits and his extreme over the top delivery gives the pitch impressive riding action. He has the vestiges of a changeup that he has used primarily against lefties as well. His command is a work in progress and could be the difference as to whether or not Bidois ends up as a middle reliever or in the back of a bullpen. Bidois did make 15 appearances for the Pirates, posting a 6.32 ERA and a 1.979 WHiP over his 15.2 innings, striking out 20 batters with 12 walks.

Lee was an international signing during the 2025 period. He makes surprisingly hard contact given his slight frame and has a knack for being able to move the barrel of the bat around the zone. There are questions regarding his long-term defensive home but his raw power potential and feel for hitting make him an interesting lottery ticket.

Sanchez was acquired as part of the return for closer David Bednar at the 2025 trade deadline. He has plus speed and intriguing power potential while drawing plenty of walks. The biggest question is whether or not Sanchez will make enough contact for his power potential to come into play. Sanchez has also been traded three times since originally signing with the Brewers in 2023.

The Pirates have worked to revamp their bullpen ahead of the trade deadline, acquiring Luke Weaver earlier on Monday after adding Camilo Doval on Saturday. Pirates relievers had posted a 4.34 ERA as a group heading into Monday, 22nd in the majors. The bullpen has been an ongoing sore spot throughout the season as the Pirates have attempted to remain in the playoff picture.