MIAMI (AP) — The Pittsburgh Pirates are looking to deal, hoping to improve their chances of ending a two-decade playoff drought.
Small problem: It’s a little bit tougher these days to find trade partners.
Pirates manager Clint Hurdle says the second wild-card spot that came into play for the first time last season is presenting a challenge for teams who would be buyers at baseball’s trading deadline. Adding that extra playoff berth for teams to chase simply means more teams fancy themselves as contenders heading into the home stretch of the season.
Hurdle says he and Pirates general manager Neal Huntington have even prioritized a list of potential acquisition targets. So far, no moves.
Baseball’s trade deadline is Wednesday. The Pirates last played a playoff game in 1992.
