"The front office believes in what we've done this season" - Pirates manager Derek Shelton speaks on psychology of adding pieces at deadline

The Pittsburgh Pirates made some solid moves ahead of the MLB Trade deadline. Their biggest acquisition was Isiah Kiner-Falefa, who has been tearing the cover off the baseball this year.

They also added slugger Bryan De La Cruz to bolster the lineup and two relief pitchers, Jalen Beeks and Josh Walker. Utilityman Billy Cook and pitching prospect Ronaldys Jimenez were also acquired.

Manager Derek Shelton is happy with what his club was able to do over the deadline. He spoke about the hectic few weeks and where some of these acquisitions will line up on MLB Network Radio.

"We were really looking to add to our offense, and we were able to do it. I mean, [Isiah Kiner-Falefa] came off the IL and he's going to play a lot of second base for us. He'll go over and play short when we give O'Neil Cruz days off and [Bryan] De La Cruz is going to play mainly right for us," said Shelton.

Shelton also spoke on what these acquisitions do for his team psychologically. They let the squad know the front office sees their success and has faith in the product out on the field.

"Well, I think what it shows is that the front office believes in what we've done this season, and that was my message to the group in totality after the deadline," said Shelton.

Not only does adding pieces help stabilize the lineup, but it also helps boost the players' mentality. The front office would not have added pieces at the deadline if they did not have hope.

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Pirates have a shot to contend for a division title

Pittsburgh Pirates - Nick Gonzalez (Photo via IMAGN)

The Pirates got off to a lackluster start at the beginning of the season, but have since found a way to get it going. They currently sit in second place in the National League Central with a 56-55 record, six games behind the Milwaukee Brewers.

They certainly are in the running to win the division, but they have their work cut out for them. The NL Central, unlike some other divisions, is a tight race.

The St. Louis Cardinals are right on the Buccos' tail with a record of 57-56. They cannot afford to have a bad spell of games this month.

Pittsburgh does not have the easiest schedule in August, and they will be tested. They play two series against some of the league's best, the Los Angeles Dodgers and Cleveland Guardians.