MLB Trade Deadline: 3 Pirates players likely to be traded by July 30

After a few hiccups to start the season, the Pittsburgh Pirates now stand just 1.5 games back of the third and final NL Wild Card spot. After the All-Star break, manager Derek Shelton will seek to lead his club to the franchise's first playoff appearance since 2015. The MLB trade deadline is scheduled for July 30 and Pittsburgh could be busy in the meantime.

With a team average of .231, the Pirates rank 27th out of 30 teams when it comes to club batting figures. However, when it comes to pitching, the team has performed better and now ranks 13th out of 30 teams in team ERA.

As such, the goal for the Pirates is clear. If the club wants to be an October team, they will need to replace some of their lagging bats with hitters who can get it done with critical, consistent production.

3 possible trade pieces for Pittsburgh Pirates ahead of trade deadline

#1. Rowdy Tellez

Despite the fact that Rowdy Tellez's .215 average and 11 home runs as a member of the Milwaukee Brewers last year represented a career-low, the Pirates still inked him to a one-year, $3.2 million deal.

"WHAT A PLAY BY ROWDY TELLEZ IN THE 9TH INNING OF A TIE GAME" - Platinum Ke'Bryan

The problem is simple, Tellez has not hit like a postseason first baseman. The 6-foot-4 Tellez has now struggled to a slash line of .243/.297/.383 with eight home runs and 31 RBIs this season. Tellez could appeal to lots of possible buyers, but the Pirates have other needs right now.

#2. Edward Olivares

After a breakout season for the Kansas City Royals last season, the Pirates inked outfielder Edward Olivares to a one-year, $1.35 million deal after trading for him. The only problem is that the Venezuelan has not come close to his past figures.

In addition to hitting just .224 with five home runs and 23 RBIs this season, the Pirates are running out of slots for Olivares. Moreover, after stealing 11 bags last year, he does not have one so far this season. Eligible for arbitration next year, watch out for the Pirates to free up some room with a deal involving Olivares.

#3. Michael A. Taylor

Although outfielder Michael A. Taylor has never hit for a high average, the outfielder has always posed a speed threat. However, in 73 games for the Pittsburgh Pirates this season, Taylor has not done much of either. A .203 hitter, Taylor's six steals have done little to justify his spot in the outfield.

As a part of the offense puzzle that is not producing, finding a seller who wants to offload some power for a dynamic Gold Glove outfielder needs to be a top priority.

"Michael A. Taylor with a diving catch in the bottom of the 9th!" - Platinum Ke'Bryan