CLEVELAND -- Has the Pirates' recent surge up the standings turned them into Trade Deadline buyers? Two recent reports would seem to indicate so.
The Pirates are "exploring a variety of upgrades" leading up to Tuesday's non-waiver deadline, MLB Network insider Ken Rosenthal reported on Wednesday. They may be targeting high-end relief help, as the Dallas Morning News reported on Tuesday that Pittsburgh has "legitimate interest" in Rangers closer Keone Kela.
General manager Neal Huntington said on Sunday that the Pirates "would love to add" after working their way back into the National League Wild Card race, though he didn't specify what areas they might seek to upgrade.