Trade-deadline OF options for weak-hitting Pirates to remain in contention

Sitting at 52-50 and just 1.5 games out of an NL wild-card spot , the Pittsburgh Pirates are in position to make the postseason for the first time since 2015.

Although the team has a strong rotation, led by Rookie of the Year candidate Paul Skenes, Pittsburgh's offense ranks 26th in batting average ( .232 ).

All-Star outfielder Bryan Reynolds has shined (.288, 18 HRs), but other outfielders — Jack Suwinski, Michael A. Taylor, Edward Olivares, Joshua Palacios and Ji Hwan Bae — are collectively hitting only .204 (OF Andrew McCutchen is hitting only .226, but he has 13 HRs).

"Now and for the years ahead, Pittsburgh needs bats," ESPN.com Jeff Passan wrote recently , "and while an add-and-subtract play is difficult for any team to pull off, Pittsburgh could acquire some bats on the margin while being open to moving a starter such as Bailey Falter or a back-end reliever."

With the trade deadline approaching Tuesday at 6 p.m. ET, the notoriously stingy Pirates should make a move for more offense, especially in the outfield.

Here are potential trade targets (all stats and records are through Thursday's games).

Brent Rooker | Oakland A's

With the fifth-most home runs (24) and RBI (70) in the American League, Rooker could be the hottest outfield name on the market. In addition to power, the 29-year-old has a .289 batting average for Oakland (45-63), which should be a seller. He's making only $750,000 this season, per Spotrac , well within the Pirates' price range.

Luis Robert Jr. | Chicago White Sox

For the MLB-worst Chicago White Sox (27-78), Robert is the big name many teams covet heading into the deadline. In 50 games, the injury-plagued outfielder has a poor batting average (.222), but he entices because of his power potential. Of Robert's 42 hits, 22 have gone for extra bases, including 12 home runs.

A change of scenery may get him back to his All-Star-caliber self, but he may be out of Pittsburgh's price range. Per Spotrac , he'll make $12.5M this season and $15M in 2025.

Tommy Pham | Chicago White Sox

Pham has had a solid all-around season, producing a .260/.327/.372 slash line. He signed a minor league contract in the offseason — $3 million with $1.5 million in performance bonuses, per MLB.com — making him a cheap alternative for the thrifty Pirates. He's not a big power hitter, but he's better than what Pittsburgh is rolling out on the field now.

Jesse Winker | Washington Nationals

The Nationals (47-56), who should be sellers at the deadline, may dangle Winker in the trade market. He's a cheap option ( one-year, $1.5 million contract , per Spotrac) and has decent numbers (slash line of .256/.374/.422) with 11 home runs and 44 RBI.

Taylor Ward | Los Angeles Angels

Ward, who has spent his entire career with the Angels, probably needs a change of scenery. He's hitting only .226, but he has decent power (14 HR, 18 doubles) and 45 RBI in 367 at-bats. Plus, he's not expensive — notice a theme here? — earning $4.8 million this season.