PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Pirates are all-in as they chase the franchise’s first playoff appearance in 21 years.
Pittsburgh traded for longtime Minnesota Twins first baseman Justin Morneau on Saturday, hoping the four-time All Star can give the Pirates’ middling offense a jolt heading into the final month of the season.
“We felt that this move gives us a better chance to play in October, a better chance to win the division, a better chance to advance in October,” Pirates general manager Neal Huntington said.
The Twins obtained outfielder Alex Presley and either a player to be named or cash in Pittsburgh’s second major move in a week. The Pirates sent a pair of minor leaguers to the New York Mets on Tuesday in exchange for outfielder Marlon Byrd and catcher John Buck.
“We’ve got more depth, we’ve got more options than we had four days ago,” Pittsburgh manager Clint Hurdle said. “We’re a better team. We’re a stronger team.”
Pittsburgh entered Saturday tied with St. Louis atop the NL Central with 29 games remaining. The Pirates have been in contention all season thanks in large part to a pitching staff currently second in the majors with a 3.17 ERA.