Andrew McCutchen's homer leads Pirates past Giants 6-5 on July 29, but are trade rumors sending All-Star closer David Bednar out of Pittsburgh? Read more.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
It was a night of pure Pittsburgh baseball bliss at PNC Park. A gritty 6-5 win over the Giants, a third straight victory, and a go-ahead, late-game home run from the legend himself, Andrew McCutchen. But as the cheers for Cutch faded, a nervous buzz took over. With the trade deadline roaring towards us, the question on every fan's mind is whether another beloved Buc, closer David Bednar, has thrown his last pitch for the Pirates.
David Bednar remains a perfect 17-for-17 in save opportunities this season.
Just when they needed him most, Andrew McCutchen turned back the clock. With the game knotted in the late innings, Cutch launched a go-ahead homer that proved to be the difference-maker in a thrilling 6-5 victory against the San Francisco Giants. The win, their third in a row, was a team effort with Oneil Cruz and Bryan Reynolds also contributing at the plate. But the night belonged to No. 22, who once again provided the signature moment and reminded everyone of his immense value to this team, both in the box score and in the clubhouse.
While the team celebrated on the field, the front office was busy working the phones. Reports have confirmed the Pirates are in deep discussions with the Toronto Blue Jays about a trade for a high-leverage reliever. The prime candidate is homegrown All-Star David Bednar, whose perfect save record and sparkling 2.37 ERA make him one of the most valuable arms on the market. Dennis Santana (1.39 ERA) and Caleb Ferguson (3.74 ERA) are also being discussed. In return, the Pirates are targeting high-ceiling position player prospects like Yohendrick Pinango or Josh Kasevich, signaling a clear focus on acquiring future offensive talent.
Any potential trade isn't just about subtraction; it's about addition to an already promising future. The focus on prospects underscores the organization's long-term strategy. The latest ESPN prospect update reinforces this, with right-hander Bubba Chandler and shortstop Konnor Griffin headlining the system. Chandler's recent seven-strikeout performance and Griffin's four-hit game are tantalizing glimpses of what's to come. Trading a player of Bednar's caliber would be painful, but the goal would be to add another blue-chip prospect to this burgeoning group, accelerating the path back to contention.
As the trade deadline clock ticks down, the Pirates are at a crossroads. Do they ride the current momentum and keep their lockdown closer, or do they make the tough call to trade a fan favorite for a brighter future? The next 48 hours will define not only the rest of this season but could shape the roster for years to come. One thing is certain: it's going to be a nail-biter, both on and off the field.
