Pirates Should Be Far More Willing to Be Sellers in 2019

A tough extra-inning loss to the Philadelphia Phillies on Sunday should've only underscored what ever true Pirates fan should already know: Pittsburgh should absolutely start looking to sell with the trade deadline approaching in about a week.

They sit 7.5 games behind the first place Cubs in the NL Central and 5.5 behind the second NL Wild Card spot, behind many competitive teams. And without a competent and healthy rotation, we're not entirely sure what there is left to accomplish this season.

Somehow, some way, ownership forges on, however, unbending in the notion that they may be contenders.

Outside of the Marlins, every team feels like they have an opportunity to make a run at a playoff spot in the National League. The Pirates might have the same mindset, but simply do not have the fire power to get there. Out of their healthy starters, none possesses an ERA under 4.00.

They have good young players to build around, such as Kevin Newman, Josh Bell and Bryan Reynolds, with Reynolds specifically proving the fruits of such a sale; he came from San Francisco. This petite offensive core proves the Bucs should look to trade some assets to build their starting pitching for the future, because Chris Archer, Jordan Lyles and Trevor Williams have not been the answer.

The Archer damage was self-inflicted, but that's beside the point.

There are plenty of solid assets for the Pirates to involve in their trade talks. Melky Cabrera has put together a good season, and Corey Dickerson will get a good return from an AL team looking for a DH. Francisco Liriano has adjusted to his reliever role nicely this year, and should provide a cheap option to anyone looking for bullpen help.

Two more interesting trade pieces, however, are Felipe Vazquez and Starling Marte. Vazquez can be a free agent as early as 2022, but is very unlikely to be dealt without a huge return coming back Pittsburgh's way (which the Dodgers can provide, if they'd like!). Marte has a team option for next season and is not an expensive option for a team looking for another versatile outfielder. Both would get the most in return for a struggling Pirates franchise.

And now's the time to engage.