The Pittsburgh Pirates saw another potential outfield addition slip away on Saturday when Jazz Chisholm of the Miami Marlins was traded to the New York Yankees. The trade included catcher Agustin Ramirez, who is ranked 20th among Yankees prospects by MLB Pipeline and 3rd by Baseball America.
Chisholm, 26, hit .249 in 101 games this season, with 14 doubles, 13 home runs, 50 RBIs, and 22 steals. The Pirates had shown interest in Chisholm due to his controllable status, which is valuable for a small-market team. His move to the Yankees—despite concerns about his fit in a major market—has left Pirates fans both puzzled and frustrated.
With Jack Suwinski (.184) and Michael A. Taylor (.200) continuing to struggle, the Pirates’ options are limited. Recent trades have mostly involved teams within Florida, leaving the market for potential deals thin.
Brent Rooker, who excels as a designated hitter but isn’t strong in the outfield, is currently the top available bat. His impressive stats this season—.288 average, .948 OPS, 25 home runs, and 72 RBIs—make him a valuable asset for a team in playoff contention.
Additionally, the Pirates, Astros, and Mariners are reportedly interested in Rays first baseman Yandy Diaz, a 2023 All-Star hitting .272 with 21 doubles, eight home runs, and 46 RBIs. Diaz is under contract through next season with a team option for 2026.
Other alternatives include A’s outfielder JJ Bleday and Nationals outfielders Lane Thomas and Jesse Winker, though they may not have the same impact as Chisholm or Luis Robert. This has left Pirates fans hoping for a significant move by general manager Ben Cherington before the trade deadline.