The Pittsburgh Pirates need to make meaningful moves at the MLB Trade Deadline if they want to position themselves as contenders by 2026. Fans understand that free agency likely won’t solve the team’s core issues, so this deadline could be critical in acquiring the long-term assets they’ve been missing.
That doesn’t necessarily mean the Pirates will use their stockpile of pitching prospects to land a proven big-leaguer. Instead, their strategy should revolve around acquiring underrated prospects from contending teams — players who are blocked from reaching the majors due to organizational depth. Pittsburgh has plenty of trade chips, including rental players and arbitration-eligible veterans, making these types of prospects realistic targets.
Gabriel Gonzalez – Minnesota Twins
Gonzalez is a prime candidate. The Twins are hovering around the .500 mark and could become buyers if they stay in the playoff hunt, especially with the Guardians narrowly leading the division. If Minnesota looks to fill the gap left by Pablo López’s injury, someone like Andrew Heaney could be of interest — and Gonzalez might be a fitting return.
Ranked 17th in the Twins’ system (per MLB Pipeline), Gonzalez has been impressive in High-A and Double-A, posting a 147 wRC+ and .892 OPS while maintaining a low 12.4% strikeout rate. At just 21, he’s excelling but is stuck behind a crowded outfield in Minnesota, making him an appealing trade piece.
Cody Freeman – Texas Rangers
Freeman may not appear on MLB Pipeline’s top 30 for the Rangers, but he offers intriguing versatility as both a catcher and infielder. Texas remains in striking distance in the AL West and could be deadline buyers.
With Texas having a stacked infield and Pittsburgh’s own infield future uncertain — especially with Ke’Bryan Hayes in trade rumors and Isiah Kiner-Falefa on an expiring deal — Freeman could fit well. Though he hasn’t had a standout minor-league career, he’s currently in Triple-A hitting .298 with a low 9.1% strikeout rate. He may not headline a deal, but acquiring him as part of a package could prove valuable.
Gavin Conticello – Arizona Diamondbacks
Conticello, ranked 24th in the Diamondbacks’ system, is another potential target. Arizona is still competing in the tough NL West despite injuries to key pitchers like Corbin Burnes and Justin Martinez.
Conticello, a 22-year-old outfielder and first baseman, is playing in Double-A and may soon reach Triple-A. With Carroll, Thomas, and Gurriel Jr. solidifying Arizona’s outfield, he’s likely expendable. This season, he’s posted a 121 wRC+, five home runs, and a .827 OPS — a breakout year that suggests he could be a sneaky good pickup.
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