MLB Trade Rumors: 2 Pirates Who WILL Be On Trade Block, & 2 Who WON'T

The Pittsburgh Pirates will be sellers at the trade deadline late next month. This, we know. Once again, they are bringing up the rear in the National League Central Division, and at 22-37 going into Sunday's games they have the second-worst record in the NL.

According to a report by Bob Nightengale in USA Today, there are two notable Pirates who will be on the trade block, but two who most certainly will not be.

2 Pirates Who Won't Be Available at Trade Deadline

Paul Skenes

Yes, there have been a lot of rumors out there about whether the Pirates will, or should, make the reigning NL Rookie of the Year and Cy Young Finalist available for trade, as a means of re-stocking their prospect cupboard. But Nightengale confirms the other side of this story that's been going around, that the Bucs are "are flatly rebuking all interest from teams wanting to engage in trade talks for ace Paul Skenes."

Oneil Cruz

The super talented 6'7" outfielder/infielder, Cruz is mentioned as the only other player that the Pirates will not take calls on. He is untouchable as well. His memborable missile last week was an emphatic stamp on his exciting place in the future of Pirates baseball.

Oneil Cruz just hit this ball 122.9 mph.

That is the hardest hit ball in the Statcast era. pic.twitter.com/dZYilTHie1
— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) May 25, 2025

In addition to having the hardest hit ball in the Statcast era at 122.0 mph, he also has six of the eight hardest-hit balls in the 2025 season.

2 Notable Pirates Who WILL Be Available at the Trade Deadline

Bryan Reynolds

The outfielder was thought to be a cornerstone of the franchise for years to come, after Pittsburgh signed him to a team-record eight-year, $106.75 million contract in 2023. Now, just two years later, with a somewhat mediocre start to the season, they're expected to be ready to listen to offers on the 30-year-old.

Ke’Bryan Hayes

Also considered a player to build around, he had the previous record for the franchise's largest contract, at $70 million over eight years. That one was signed in 2022. Now, he, too, will be on the trade block after a season and a half of mediocrity. He's batting just .223 with a .559 OPS. His contract was a little front-loaded, so he averages $7.5 million AAV over the next four+ years. The Bucs would like to find a taker for the third baseman.