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Pirates assess relief pitching needs ahead of trade market opening

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 5, 2026, 2:30 AM

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

Pirates assess relief pitching needs ahead of trade market opening

Summary

The Pittsburgh Pirates are evaluating their bullpen options as they struggle with a poor relief performance this season, currently ranking in the bottom five in several metrics. With a 5.10 ERA since May, the team is expected to seek reinforcements through trades as the relief market begins to develop in June. Potential targets include top-tier relievers such as Aroldis Chapman and Brooks Raley, both of whom have shown promising stats this season. The Pirates may also explore acquiring players with control options, such as Garrett Whitlock, to bolster their pitching depth as the trade deadline approaches.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Pirates bullpen ranks in bottom five for ERA and walk rate.
•Aroldis Chapman could be a trade target with strong stats.
•Brooks Raley presents a solid option as an underrated reliever.
•Garrett Whitlock currently on IL but considered for potential trade.
•Relief market expected to heat up as trade deadline nears.

Latest Updates

2:30 AMYahoo Sports — How the Relief Market Is Shaping up for the Pirates

What they're saying

"
The Pittsburgh Pirates desperately need relief help. Their bullpen is responsible for multiple heartbreaking losses this year. Since the start of May, Bucco relievers rank in the bottom five in ERA (5.10), FIP (4.53), walk rate (11.3%), and barrel rate (8.5%). However, with June now up on the calendar, the relief pitching market is going …
— Yahoo Sports

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