What happened: Jon Morosi reported on MLB Network that the Pirates are planning to buy ahead of the Aug. 3 trade deadline. He said he was told the club intends to add to its roster rather than sell off pieces.
Why it matters: The stance carries weight for a franchise frequently cast as a deadline seller. Sitting at 44-44, Pittsburgh is hovering around .500 and within reach of the National League playoff chase, which makes a decision to add rather than subtract a meaningful signal about how the front office reads its 2026 window.
By the numbers: Pittsburgh enters at 44-44, averaging 5.1 runs scored against 4.9 allowed per game, and has gone 3-2 over its last five with a current one-game win streak.
What to watch: Watch which needs Pittsburgh prioritizes as the deadline nears; earlier reporting flagged catcher and bullpen depth as areas to address.