We also have to give some credit to the Pittsburgh Pirates for giving Kyle Schwarber a competitive offer.

While, in typical Pirates fashion, they weren’t able to close the deal, it at least shows the front office and ownership attempted to make something happen.

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It remains uncertain what their plans will be going forward. Still, the Pirates have ammunition in their farm system, on their current big-league roster, and other avenues to suggest they could make a trade for some of the better players available.

According to the latest from The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon, the Pirates are open to trading another starting pitcher for offensive help this offseason.

“Even after trading right-hander Johan Oviedo, the Pittsburgh Pirates remain open to trading another starting pitcher for offensive help. Their preference would be to move Mitch Keller (owed $54.5 million over the next three seasons) or Mike Burrows, according to a rival executive in contact with them. They also are open on two younger right-handers, Jared Jones and Bubba Chandler, but only for a huge haul,” they wrote.

I question whether moving Mike Burrows, Jared Jones, or Bubba Chandler would be the right decision, but if the Pirates were to get back offensive talent they absolutely love, it obviously wouldn’t be the worst idea.

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As for a trade involving Mitch Keller, I think that’s the guy Pittsburgh has to move on from.

Not that Keller is going to bring back a ridiculous haul, but he’s as good as most pitchers on the trade market this offseason, outside of a few names.

Even if he only returns an MLB-ready bat or simply helps the Pirates shed salary so they can go out and make other moves, there’s reason to believe it can work out.

On the flip side, it’s also important to remember that giving up starting pitching is never ideal. Keller might not be elite, but he still eats innings and is an above-average arm.

Regardless, the Pirates know they need offensive help. If the only way to do that is by trading Keller, it’s what sadly needs to happen.