The 34th Overall Pick Is Up For Grabs, And The Pirates Fired The Opening Shot
Hold up, Emerald City, you will not believe what is brewing out there in the league right now! We're talking about the 2026 MLB Draft, happening July 11-12, and MLB insider Ken Rosenthal just dropped a bombshell about the Pirates. He believes the Bucs are totally willing to deal a competitive balance pick even before the draft kicks off. Think about what that means! Teams grabbing one of these picks don't just get an extra selection in the amateur draft, they also score extra bonus pool money. This is huge, not just for them, but for setting the tone for the entire trade market!The Rare Pick On The Block: Reliever Market Heats Up
Here's the wild part: competitive balance picks are the *only* ones in the draft that can actually be traded. So, when Pittsburgh owns one, specifically the 34th overall pick, and rival clubs are whispering that the Pirates are open to moving it, you know things are about to get spicy. This isn't just some hypothetical move either. We've seen this play out before, creating a clear precedent. Just two seasons ago, in 2024, the Washington Nationals traded third baseman Cayden Wallace and the 39th overall pick to snag right-hander Hunter Harvey. Then last year, the Tampa Bay Rays got in on the action, sending the 37th overall pick to the Baltimore Orioles for right-hander Bryan Baker. What's the common thread there, M's fans? Relievers! It seems everyone is hunting for bullpen help, and theTrade on Every Game with Kalshi
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se picks are the currency.Pittsburgh's Aggressive Moves: What It Means For The League
The Pirates are not messing around, folks. They are not only willing to trade that sweet 34th overall pick, but they are also ready to deal prospects. And while bullpen help is their biggest need, they are not limiting their search for potential upgrades there. You better believe Pittsburgh is going to be aggressive as we get closer to the draft and the August 3 trade deadline, especially because they are so close in the playoff race right now. They even made a move Thursday night, trading catcher Joey Bart for right-handed pitcher Hunter Stratton from the Atlanta Braves. Bart was a solid piece, but the need for relief pitching is clearly priority number one for them. This move tells you everything you need to know: the market is moving, and teams are making big decisions to impact the second half of the season. So, while we watch other teams make aggressive moves to beef up their rosters, our Mariners have their own challenges to tackle. Just last night, the Boston Red Sox handed us a tough 5-1 loss at T-Mobile Park. It's a reminder that every team is fighting for every inch, and the trade market is one big battleground. Our guys, like Julio Rodriguez and Cal Raleigh, are out there grinding every single night, but we need to keep our eyes peeled on what happens next. The draft is right there, the trade deadline is looming, and we need to see what moves our front office will make to keep us fighting. Let's go M's!This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.