5 Players The Pittsburgh Pirates Should Target Before 2015 Trade Deadline

5 Players Pittsburgh Pirates Should Target Before 2015 Trade Deadline

Duke Snider
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Once again, the Pittsburgh Pirates find themselves in the thick of the playoff race, but if they are going to catch the Cardinals in the NL Central, or at the very least lock down a wild card spot, they’re going to need some help. Pittsburgh has a few areas where they could use an upgrade, and here are five players they should target leading up to the MLB trade deadline.

5. Aramis Ramirez

Aramis Ramirez
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5. Aramis Ramirez

Aramis Ramirez
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It'd be nice to see Ramirez return to Pittsburgh to close his career where he began with the Pirates. There's no reason why the Brewers shouldn't trade Ramirez before the deadline, so the Pirates should be able to get him. Ramirez has started to heat up in July and the Pirates could really use his offensive production right about now, making him an affordable and helpful trade target.

4. Cliff Pennington

Arizona Diamondbacks v San Diego Padres
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4. Cliff Pennington

Arizona Diamondbacks v San Diego Padres
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With Jordy Mercer injured, the Pirates need to be thinking about acquiring a shortstop, knowing that Jung Ho Kang can slide over to third base if necessary. Clint Barmes is one name to consider, but given his age and his contract for next season, Pennington is a more practical target for Pittsburgh. Pennington would be a rental player, but he'd give the Pirates another option on the left side of the infield, where they need help.

3. Marlon Byrd

Marlon Byrd
Charles LeClaire - USATODAY Sports

3. Marlon Byrd

Marlon Byrd
Charles LeClaire - USATODAY Sports

The Pirates traded for Byrd two years ago, so why not do it again? Byrd comes with a fairly sizable contract, but the Reds should be motivated to trade him for a fair price. Byrd also comes with a vesting option that Pittsburgh has to watch, but if he platoons with Gregory Polanco, that shouldn't be a concern. Even in a part-time role, Byrd can give the Pittsburgh offense the kind of boost that it needs down the stretch.

2. Jeff Francoeur

Jeff Francoeur, Philadelphia Phillies,
Jonathan Dyer - USATODAY Sports

2. Jeff Francoeur

Jeff Francoeur, Philadelphia Phillies,
Jonathan Dyer - USATODAY Sports

Francoeur is another option for the Pirates as someone who can pair with Polanco in right field. At age 31, Francoeur is not as old as people think, and his contract is quite affordable. He still has plenty of power and he still plays strong defense in right field. It shouldn't be that hard for the Pirates to work out a deal with the Phillies to bring Francoeur to Pittsburgh, where he could be a real asset in the upcoming months.

1. Juan Uribe

Los Angeles Dodgers v Minnesota Twins - Game One
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1. Juan Uribe

Los Angeles Dodgers v Minnesota Twins - Game One
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The Braves appear motivated to trade Uribe, who they acquired from the Dodgers earlier this season. The Pirates would have to take on some money, but Uribe would be an obvious upgrade offensively at third base, where Pittsburgh is lacking. Not only could Uribe help the Pirates at the plate, but adding a veteran presence can only help Pittsburgh as they try to chase down the Cardinals and secure a playoff spot.

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