MLB Trade Rumors: Should Pittsburgh Pirates Risk Future to Win Now?

The Pittsburgh Pirates are relevant this late in the season for the first time in over 20 years.

They find themselves in a three way tie for first place in the National League Central with the Milwaukee Brewers and St. Louis Cardinals, and it wouldn't surprise me if that's how it was at the end of the season.

If the Pirates want to stay atop the division down the stretch then they need to be active at the 2011 MLB trade deadline. 

However, should they risk giving up top prospects for a big name player before the deadline is up? Would it be worth it to try and win now as opposed to building a stronger team for the future? 

Pittsburgh has a great young core in Andrew McCutchen, Neil Walker, Garrett Jones and Jeff Karstens. However, this team ranks 25th in team batting. They need to add some more power hitting if they hope to win the National League Central.

The Pirates rank seventh in the league in team pitching, and their rotation can handle the rest of the season. They could, however, stand to strengthen the bullpen before the July 31 trade deadline.

Rumors have linked the Pirates to having interest in guys like Carlos Beltran and Hunter Pence. The Pirates have backed off some because they can't compete with the big name teams with better prospects. 

That is a very smart move for Pittsburgh because it would not benefit them to make any big time deals before the trade deadline. This team has done fine on their own, and changing things up would mess with team chemistry. 

That doesn't mean the Pirates can't still improve their roster. Going after some cheaper hitters to boost the offense would be a wise move. Guys like Ryan Ludwick, Josh Willingham, David DeJesus or Ty Wigginton. 

Pittsburgh doesn't need to risk their future by making any huge trades, but acquiring a player that won't cost as much but still help the team is the right idea. Whether or not the Pirates will go after hitting or relief pitching remains to be seen.