Fri Aug 01 23:20:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article summarizing the Pirates’ trade deadline moves and the aftermath:
**Pirates Trade Bednar, Falter in Head-Scratching Deadline Moves**
PITTSBURGH – The Pittsburgh Pirates were active at yesterday’s trade deadline, but not in the way many fans expected. Despite holding several players on expiring contracts, the Pirates opted to trade away closer David Bednar to the New York Yankees and pitcher Bailey Falter to the Kansas City Royals, both for packages of prospects. The team also moved newly-acquired reliever Taylor Rogers to the Chicago Cubs.
The return for the Pirates includes catcher Rafael Flores (from the Yankees), currently ranked as the Yankees’ #8 prospect, along with other minor leaguers. The deal for Falter netted pitcher Evan Sisk and first baseman Callan Moss, neither of whom are top-30 prospects in the Royals’ system. In exchange for Rogers, the Cubs sent first baseman Ivan Brethowr, who is batting .208 in High-A.
Notably, Tommy Pham, Isiah Kiner-Falefa, and Andrew Heaney, all players on expiring contracts, remain with the team.
General Manager Ben Cherington defended the moves, citing a lack of suitable offensive upgrades available at the deadline. “We couldn’t make a deal for more offense,” Cherington said, adding that he will focus on acquiring bats in the off-season. He highlighted Rafael Flores as the “headliner” in the Bednar deal.
In the wake of the trades, several roster moves are expected. Jared Triolo is likely to be recalled from Triple-A Indianapolis to take over at third base after the trade of Ke’Bryan Hayes to the Reds (that was previously completed before the deadline). Ryan Borucki, recently returned from a rehab assignment, could also rejoin the bullpen soon. The trade of Falter could also create an opportunity for top pitching prospect Bubba Chandler and Johan Oviedo to be called up into the rotation.
The Pirates, currently riding a five-game winning streak, head to Colorado tonight.
First Piper 