Pirates defeat Astros twice, showing potential as trade buyers
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 5, 2026, 6:00 PM
Last updated Jun 5, 2026
The Pittsburgh Pirates secured two wins against the Houston Astros in their recent series, demonstrating a competitive edge rarely seen in recent years. This marks a significant shift in the franchise's approach, as they now appear to be contenders rather than sellers ahead of the trade deadline. The Pirates’ success is attributed not just to star pitcher Paul Skenes, but also to their overall improved performance. The team’s current trajectory could prompt them to seek bullpen assistance as they aim for a playoff push. The presence of a competitive Pirates team impacts discussions on competitive balance in MLB.
- •Pirates win two out of three games against Astros
- •Paul Skenes leads a strong pitching effort
- •Team looks to buy at trade deadline for bullpen help
- •Pittsburgh's improvement signals a shift from seller to contender
- •Competitive balance discussions may be impacted by their performance
- 6:00 PMYahoo Sports — The Pirates took two of three from the Astros, and they’re starting to look like actual buyers
"Pittsburgh going into Hoston and winning a series is the kind of thing that used to be a fluke. This year it is starting to look like a pattern, and it changes how you read the Pirates’ summer.
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