Braves Eyeing Pirates’ $55 Million Arm as Early Trade Deadline Target

The Atlanta Braves opted to pass on several veteran arms in free agency this past offseason-and early results have validated that decision in many cases. But there’s one lefty they may wish they had landed. Andrew Heaney, now with the Pittsburgh Pirates, is pitching like one of the National League’s best starters through the opening month of the season. And according to Just Baseball’s Eric Treuden, the Braves may want to circle back on the veteran southpaw ahead of the trade deadline.

“Chief among [trade options], at least to this point, is left-hander Andrew Heaney,” Treuden wrote. “He’s on an expiring contract while suiting up for the last-place Pirates. He’s elevated his game in 2025.” The numbers don’t lie. Through five starts, Heaney has posted a 1.72 ERA and an NL-best 0.766 WHIP, while limiting opponents to minimal damage over 31.1 innings. At 34 years old and signed to a modest one-year, $5.25 million deal, Heaney is shaping up to be one of the most attractive rental arms on the market.

And with Pittsburgh quickly sliding out of contention in the NL Central, the Pirates are expected to shop their top trade chips sooner rather than later. That timeline could play perfectly into Atlanta’s hands.


 

Related Posts

AJ Smith-Shawver to start Tuesday, Ian Anderson DFA’d

Two expected moves as Atlanta hopes to sneak Anderson through waivers.

Aaron Judge shows support for Jarren Duran after fan’s inappropriate comment

Aaron Judge and Jarren Duran play for rival teams, but the Yankees All-Star outfielder showed support for Duran after a fan hurled an inappropriate comment.

Yankees Predicted To Land $22 Million Pitcher to Bolster Banged-Up Rotation

The New York Yankees’ rotation has been struggling in the early going of the season. With the starters having a combined ERA north of 4.00, the Yankees…

Craig Counsell reveals Wrigley Field X-factor Cubs are using to ‘advantage’

The Cubs are off to a fast start to 2025 as manager Craig Counsell has focused on weaponizing the harsh Wrigley Field winds.

White Sox dodged a bullet by cutting ties with former top prospect

Eloy Jimenez struggling in the minor leagues is a good omen for the Chicago White Sox.

Struggling Red Sox Starter in Danger of Losing Job to Start May

In a weekend series that saw the Boston Red Sox take two of three games in Cleveland against the Guardians, one Red Sox starter continued to struggle as the MLB