Pirates Poised to Land $110 Million Outfielder in Major Blockbuster Trade

MLB insider Ken Rosenthal reports that the Pittsburgh Pirates are evaluating Miami Marlins outfielder Bryan De La Cruz. This follows their interest in another Marlins outfielder, Jazz Chisholm Jr. To strengthen their position in the National League Wild Card race, the Pirates need to acquire two outfield bats, and they might address both needs with a single trade.

Pirates’ Interest in Bryan De La Cruz Suggests a Potential Blockbuster Trade

Bryan De La Cruz, 27, a right-handed hitter, is under team control until 2027. As of Thursday, he has a .241/.285/.410 batting line with 17 home runs, 47 RBIs, and a 90 OPS+.

He has played both corner outfield positions but is considered below average defensively, with metrics showing -7 Fielding Runs Below Average and -3 Defensive Runs Saved.

https://twitter.com/AustinRBechtold/status/1816670321988006261?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1816670321988006261%7Ctwgr%5E89d2f7ec800872e0d4a3e014ff5b08aec0ac885a%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Flastwordonsports.com%2Fbaseball%2F2024%2F07%2F26%2Fpirates-scouting-bryan-de-la-cruz%2F

Despite his low on-base percentage and defensive shortcomings, De La Cruz might stand out to the Pirates due to his power, having hit 17 home runs this season—just one less than Bryan Reynolds’ team-leading total. De La Cruz hit 19 homers last year, which could be appealing as the Pirates look to bolster their roster.

It appears that negotiations between the Pirates and Marlins are leaning towards a significant blockbuster trade. For the Pirates, acquiring De La Cruz would make more sense if they also secure Chisholm. Chisholm could take over center field, replacing the underperforming platoon of Jack Suwinski and Michael A. Taylor. This would allow De La Cruz to handle right field or serve as a designated hitter, a role he has primarily played for the Marlins this season. Andrew McCutchen could then shift to some outfield duties, a position he is more than capable of handling.

Potential Costs for the Pirates

With the Marlins at the bottom of the NL East with a 37-66 record, they are clearly in a rebuilding phase. They likely believe that De La Cruz and Chisholm won’t fit into their long-term plans. Initially, it was anticipated that acquiring Chisholm could involve only lower-level prospects from Single-A or Double-A, excluding top prospects like Termarr Johnson. Chisholm’s outspoken nature might also influence the deal.

https://twitter.com/AustinRBechtold/status/1816670321988006261?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1816670321988006261%7Ctwgr%5E89d2f7ec800872e0d4a3e014ff5b08aec0ac885a%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Flastwordonsports.com%2Fbaseball%2F2024%2F07%2F26%2Fpirates-scouting-bryan-de-la-cruz%2F

However, if the Pirates are to acquire both De La Cruz and Chisholm in one trade, it could involve at least one major league player. Although the Marlins are struggling, they still aim to maintain a competitive roster. A trade package including prospects along with a player like Joe, Olivares, or Suwinski might be necessary to make the deal happen.

Final Thoughts

This trade deadline represents Ben Cherington’s first significant challenge as Pirates general manager. His offseason decisions have been mixed, and the team began the season with high hopes. If Cherington manages to secure both De La Cruz and Chisholm without undermining the major league roster, he could quickly win over fans.