Pittsburg, PA
Report: Pirates Among Teams Interested in Luis Robert Jr.
The Pittsburgh Pirates are one of the teams expressing interest in Chicago White Sox outfielder Luis Robert Jr., according to Francys Romero on Twitter/X. Romero notes that the New York Mets and San Diego Padres are also interested.
After being named an American League All-Star for the first time in 2023, Robert had his second straight subpar season for the White Sox in 2025. The 28-year-old slashed just .223/.297/.364 with 12 doubles, 14 home runs and 53 RBI in 100 games. He did, however, finished fifth in the American League with 33 stolen bases and was in the 93rd-percentile with seven outs above average in center field.
Though he’s struggled at the plate over the last two seasons, Robert looked to be emerging as one of the game’s top young players after a breakout campaign in 2023. Robert has battled injuries in his career but played in a career-high 145 games that season. He finished 12th in the American League MVP race and won a Silver Slugger after batting .264 with an .857 OPS, 36 doubles, one triple, 38 home runs, 80 RBI and 20 stolen bases.
Strikeouts have been an issue for Robert and are a big reason for his struggles in recent seasons. Over the past two years, he’s struck out in nearly 30% of his plate appearances. Even in his breakout season in 2023, he struck out 172 times in 595 plate appearances.
Robert is owed $20 million this coming seasons and has a club option valued at $20 million again for 2027 with a $2 million buyout.
The Pirates have been looking to make lineup upgrades all offseason. They’ve been aggressive on the free agent market — including empty pursuits of Kyle Schwarber and Jorge Polanco — but have yet to add a bat via free agency. The only free agent agreement the Pirates have made so far is with left-handed reliever Gregory Soto for one year and $7.75 million.
As for the offense, the Pirates acquired Jhostynxon García from the Boston Red Sox but have come up short in adding established help to their lowly offense.
Given that the Pirates have already been outbid on multiple players this offseason, general manager Ben Cherington could choose to focus his attention on the trade market to land an impact bat.
In addition to Robert, the St. Louis Cardinals’ Brendan Donovan and the New York Mets’ Jeff McNeil are among the players the Pirates have reportedly expressed interest in.
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Pittsburg, PA
Pittsburgh files lawsuit against fire truck companies over alleged anticompetitive schemes
PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Pirates made a much-needed move ahead of the 2026 All-Star Game, bringing in another infielder and bullpen arm to improve the MLB lineup. Even with the addition of left-hander Brandon Eisert, the Buccos are still seeking further upgrades to their struggling bullpen.
The Pirates now have a few weeks until this year’s Trade Deadline, but they are expected to be active up until the final minutes.
That’s why the organization has to shoot for the stars and target San Diego Padres closer Mason Miller. The Pittsburgh-native is one of the latest names to land on the trade rumor mill, and it’s the perfect opportunity for the Pirates to take their bullpen to the next level.
Why Miller Makes Sense for Pirates
There is a rising sense that the All-Star closer is heading out of San Diego. Despite being one of the top relievers in the MLB this season, toting an ERA of 0.91 and picking up 25 saves in 39 innings pitched, he’s on the trade block.
In a recent article for USA Today, Bob Nightengale noted that the MLB is paying close attention to the Padres, with many expecting them to be a selling team as they plummet further in the standings.
“Rival executives are intrigued to see whether A.J. Preller trades Padres All-Star closer Mason Miller at the deadline with their team spiraling downward,” he wrote. “But they laugh at the notion they will receive anything close to the package they surrendered to the Athletics to acquire him.”
That’s exactly what the Pirates need to hear. Yes, they have a solid closer right now in Gregory Soto. He’s been a wonderful replacement with Dennis Santana regressing, but it hasn’t solved the bullpen’s issues.
With Miller on board as the new closer, it gives the Pirates two shutdown arms. With Soto and Miller ready to close games, it brings their mediocre bullpen to suddenly playoff-worthy.
What Would Pirates Need to Give Up for Miller?
As Nightengale noted, the Padres gave up an arm and a leg to bring Miller in last year. They parted with their number two prospect at the time, but the sentiment is that there is not as strong a market for the bullpen arm in 2026.
That’s huge news for the Pirates as well, who have plenty of young players they consider expendable.
Would a package centered around a pitcher like Antwone Kelly or Thomas Harrington be enough to entice the struggling Padres? For the Pirates, it would be a loss to give up either young arm, but the return and hopeful playoff push is beyond worth it.
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Pittsburg, PA
Pittsburgh Pirates Select Incoming Tennessee Baseball Transfer Outfielder In MLB Draft | Rocky Top Insider
The Pittsburgh Pirates selected Tennessee baseball transfer commit Andrew Duncan with the 558th pick (19th round) in the 2026 MLB Draft on Sunday afternoon. A Wright State outfielder, Duncan committed to Tennessee out of the transfer portal last month.
Duncan is coming off a breakout junior season at Wright State where he slashed .367/.436/.577 with six home runs, 11 doubles, eight triples and 36 RBIs. As the eight triples indicate, speed is a key part of Duncan’s game with the outfielder stealing 19 bases on just 22 attempts.
The Dunedin, Florida native spent his freshman season at Florida State where he played in just 13 games before transferring to Wright State for his sophomore season. Duncan transferred to Tallahassee State College for his sophomore season before moving back up to the division one level at Wright State last season.
More From RTI: Elite Tennessee Baseball Catcher Signee Withdraws From MLB Draft, Will Play for Vols
Duncan played centerfield for the Raiders last season and will likely slide into that same spot at Tennessee next season if he does not sign with Pittsburgh. Outfield was a major point of emphasis for the Vols this offseason after losing Reese Chapman to graduation, Garrett Wright to the MLB Draft and both Jay Abernathy and Nate Eisfelder to the transfer portal.
Losing Duncan would be a real blow because of Tennessee’s need in centerfield for next season. A number of other Vols including Levi Clark, Blake Grimmer and Mercer transfer Braydon Kersey are capable of playing in the outfield but likely could not play centerfield at a high level defensively.
Duncan is one of 11 transfers to commit to Tennessee this offseason along with Air Force infielder Wyatt Hanoian, Cal Baptist shortstop Chris Ramirez, Baylor infielder Travis Sanders, FIU infielder Mario Trivella, Clemson right-handed pitcher Hayden Simmerson, Louisville right-handed pitcher Parker Detmers, South Carolina left-handed pitcher Jake McCoy, Northwestern State left-handed pitcher Brody Trosclair, UC Irvine left-handed pitcher Ricky Ojeda and Mercer two-way Braydon Kersey.
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