Pirates Prospects Could Be Used in Trade Deals This Offseason
Pittsburgh Pirates general manager Ben Cherington will explore the trade market this offseason after missing the postseason, with team prospects outside of three untouchable players available in potential deals.
The Pittsburgh Pirates did not part with much prospect capital in trades last winter, but that could change this offseason. The goal in 2026 was to make the playoffs, but that did not happen. Major League Baseball’s second-longest playoff drought remains intact, giving Cherington another opportunity to end it and steer Pittsburgh back to the postseason for the initial time since 2015.
The Pirates have established a solid foundation at the big-league level. Addressing other needs could involve trading established pieces, though parting with prospects is likely the wiser course of action.
The only prospect that is probably 100 percent untouchable is Seth Hernandez. Considered by many as the premier pitching prospect in baseball, it would require an extraordinary offer for the Pirates to even entertain trading the 20-year-old. Third baseman Murf Gray and outfielder Edward Florentino are also probably close to being untouchable.
Gray looks like the potential third baseman of the future after a sensational first professional season. Florentino is widely considered one of the top prospects in the league. Outside of those three, the Pirates could be open to moving just about any of their prospects.
For first-round pick Derek Curiel and second-round draft choice Wyatt Sanford, the franchise would likely be reluctant to move either. Both ought to be available, however, if they could serve as components in a package acquiring an All-Star caliber player like Rockies catcher Hunter Goodman. Curiel did not play a professional game after being selected fifth overall out of LSU.
The Pirates have three catchers who could all be considered organizational top 10 prospects in Easton Carmichael, Axiel Plaz, and Edgleen Perez. Carmichael reached Double-A this year, Plaz spent the season in High-A, and Perez was with Low-A Bradenton.
When Omar Alfonzo went to the Yankees in exchange for reliever Camilo Doval at the trade deadline, Pittsburgh already dipped into their catching depth. Because Henry Davis, Rafael Flores Jr., and Endy Rodríguez form a trio of controllable catchers on the 40-man roster, the Pirates possess the flexibility to trade a catching prospect if the right opportunity arises.
Upper-level prospects on the table include outfielder Lonnie White Jr., infielder Duce Gourson, right-handed pitcher Antwone Kelly, and right-handed pitcher Khristian Curtis. White is back on the prospect radar after a strong and healthy 2026 season.
Pittsburgh is high on Gourson, but he is a player that should be available in the right deal. The Pirates would probably be reluctant to trade away pitching depth in Kelly or Curtis, but they should consider moving either in the right deal.
Lower-level prospects on the table feature left-handed pitcher Reinold Navarro, infielder Johan De Los Santos, infielder Yordany De Los Santos, outfielder Carlos Tejera, right-handed pitcher Levi Sterling, first baseman and designated hitter Tony Blanco Jr., infielder and outfielder Jhonny Severino, and infielder Darell Morel.
Each player comes with varying degrees of intrigue and upside. Of the bunch, Navarro is probably the player the Pirates would most want to keep, but he is also probably the prospect most coveted by other teams.
Prospect hoarding is usually unwise. Cherington should be comfortable moving these prospects to try and build a winner.
Meanwhile, infielder Termarr Johnson, left-handed pitcher Hunter Barco, and outfielder Jhostynxon Garcia are trending down. All three players had much higher value last year. Johnson endured a miserable offensive campaign and sustained a severe knee injury near the conclusion of the season.
Barco has struggled with control and has failed to prove he can consistently record outs at the major league level. Garcia didn’t get much of a chance with the Pirates and dealt with injury issues.
The Pirates also face a situation where a large number of prospects merit consideration for 40-man roster spots to shield them from the Rule 5 Draft. It will be almost impossible for the Pirates to protect each player. With next week’s deadline to do so fast approaching, perhaps some could be possible trade candidates.
Disclaimer: The insights provided in this article are for informational and entertainment purposes only and do not constitute medical advice or sports betting recommendations.