Pirates linked to Giants' Cy Young starting pitcher as trade deadline target

Apr 30, 2026 - 22:00

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Pirates linked to Giants' Cy Young starting pitcher as trade deadline target originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Pittsburgh Pirates are last in the NL Central, but they're 16-15, and look to have a decent chance of contending for a postseason spot this year.

But, there is still plenty of work to be done, including improving the roster by the MLB trade deadline. While there will be plenty of focus on the offense, the Pirates could use a new starting pitcher as well.

Bleacher Report's Kerry Miller linked the Pirates to one option that would make some sense for both teams come the deadline. That pitcher is San Francisco Giants lefty Cy Young winner Robbie Ray.

Pirates linked to trade for Robbie Ray from Giants

"Another starting pitcher is a near-must, too, but there should be plenty available," Miller writes. "Maybe Robbie Ray if San Francisco's offense remains a trainwreck and the Giants fall hopelessly out of contention?"

While Paul Skenes is more than good enough as the team's ace, the Pirates could use some more upside in the rotation.

Mitch Keller has a 3.18 ERA this season, Braxton Ashcraft has a 3.71 ERA, Bubba Chandler has a 4.97 ERA, and Carmen Mlodzinski has a 4.13 ERA. Those aren't terrible options, but there's room for improvement.

One of the key areas for the Pirates to explore is a lefty pitcher. All of their starters, including Jared Jones, who could return soon, are right-handers.

More: Three ways Pirates' Paul Skenes could lose NL Cy Young Award

Finding a lefty to add to this rotation would make a lot of sense. That's why Ray, the Giants' 34-year-old lefty who previously won a Cy Young, would make a lot of sense.

This season, Ray has a 2.70 ERA in six starts despite the Giants being one of the worst teams in the league.

Ray's 147 ERA+ is a very strong figure, and it would be the third-best of his career behind only his Cy Young season in 2021 and an All-Star season in 2017.

Miller is linking the Pirates to Ray well ahead of the trade deadline, and this fit would make a ton of sense if the Pirates are willing to spend a bit of prospects to acquire the former Cy Young winner, and the Giants fall out of contention.