Pittsburgh Pirates Speculation: 5 Players the Pirates Should Chase but Aren't

The Pittsburgh Pirates are in the midst of unfamiliar territory.

Right in the thick of the NL Central race, the Pirates are considered buyers at the July 31st trade deadline for the first time in a long time.

The Pirates are looking for relief pitchers, a corner outfielder and possibly a cheap first baseman.

Whether the Pirates make a big splash or quietly add a rental player to get this team to .500, look for the Pirates to at least do something.

Several names have come up on the trade radar in the last few weeks. Some are realistic, and some are pipe dreams thought up by an eager fan base.

Here are five players the Pirates should be looking at but aren't.

Brandon League

Brandon League would make Pirates' fans completely forget about injured former All-Star Evan Meek—if they haven't already.

Despite reports saying League is no longer available, crazier things have happened in late July.

League has been used as the Seattle Mariners' closer this season, racking up 23 saves, but League also has experience as a set-up man.

Combining League's ability in the eighth inning with Joel Hanrahan's ninth-inning expertise would give the Pirates a very formidable duo to slam the door late in games.

League has a 3.26 ERA this season, and his career 3.83 ERA shows this season is no fluke.

He would not come cheap. He is only 28 years old and is relatively affordable. Given that he is currently third in the American League in saves suggests the struggling Mariners will not part with his services easily.

Jeff Francoeur

If Jeff Francoeur is moved, he would most likely be a  Boston Red Sox player.

The Pittsburgh Pirates should be taking a look at the Kansas City Royals' outfielder.

Francoeur is currently batting .270, with 13 home runs and 61 RBI on the season. Combine the success on offense with a very good arm in the outfield, and Francoeur could be an above average but affordable addition.

The Royals should be sellers at the trade deadline, and Francoeur may not fit into the Royals' plans for their loaded farm system.

If Francoeur is moved, the Pirates would be smart to throw their names in the hat for his services.

Michael Cuddyer

Michael Cuddyer would make sense with the Los Angeles Angels or the San Francisco Giants. He would also make sense with the upstart Pittsburgh Pirates.

Cuddyer is currently hitting at a solid .300 clip, with 14 home runs and 49 RBI.

He is a 10-year veteran and would bring a great attitude to the young Pirates' clubhouse.

Cuddyer would be an instant upgrade in the middle of the Pirates' lineup and would be an everyday starter in right field.

The Pirates may not need a headline pickup to overachieve this season. Cuddyer would be an great addition in a weak group of acquirable players.

Matt Thornton

Matt Thornton is under contract for two more years with a team option for one more. Normally, he would not even be in a trade conversation.

However, with the White Sox claiming they could sell their whole team and Thornton's name popping up in rumors surrounding Colby Rasmus, you never know.

Thornton would be an interesting reliever for the Pirates to pursue. The current Pirates' late-inning lefties are Joe Beimel and Tony Watson. Thornton would be an upgrade over either.

He currently holds a 3.41 ERA along with a 1.63 WHIP. He has struck out 33 batters over 34.1 innings pitched.

Thornton could give the Pirates a better power left-handed pitcher to use late in games. If the front office is serious about staying in the NL Central, he would not be a bad asset to have.

Melky Cabrera

If Melky Cabrera does find his way out of Kansas City, he could be headed to Philadelphia. However, the Pittsburgh Pirates should be giving the 26-year-old outfielder a serious look.

Cabrera is batting .299 with 12 home runs and 57 RBI. He is also a switch-hitter, helping to avoid a platoon situation.

The Pirates would have to part with a few farmhands, but Cabrera could be a piece to the Pirates' long-term puzzle. With a career .272 batting average, Cabrera is still young enough to benefit from a change of scenery.

Giving a young player just hitting his stride a chance to play with a team doing the same could create a mutually beneficial relationship.