Andrew Heaney has delivered a steady and reliable season for the Pittsburgh Pirates, making him a valuable asset as the MLB trade deadline approaches. His consistent performance and veteran presence have attracted interest from several teams looking to boost their pitching staffs for the playoff push.
Signed by the Pirates on a one-year, $5.25 million contract this offseason, Heaney was expected to provide innings and stability—and he has done just that. Over 78.1 innings, he has maintained a solid 3.33 ERA, keeping the Pirates competitive in many games. In a pitching market constrained by injuries and inconsistency, Heaney’s steady approach makes him an appealing target for teams chasing postseason success.
Houston Astros Seek Veteran Stability for Their Rotation
The Houston Astros have faced significant challenges with their starting rotation this season, dealing with injuries and uneven performances behind aces Framber Valdez and Hunter Brown. Their depth beyond these two has been uncertain, creating urgency in their need for a reliable arm.
Heaney fits the Astros’ criteria as a dependable mid-rotation starter who can provide innings and consistency without demanding ace-level output. His experience and command could offer Houston the steady presence required to bridge the gap between their stars and the less proven pitchers. In such a critical division, adding Heaney could help them avoid further rotation instability.
Los Angeles Dodgers Could Welcome Back a Proven Lefty
Andrew Heaney’s 2022 stint with the Los Angeles Dodgers was a success, highlighted by a career-best strikeout rate and a 3.10 ERA. The Dodgers, known for maximizing veteran pitchers’ value, have experienced ongoing rotation turnover largely due to injuries.
This familiarity between Heaney and the Dodgers makes a reunion a logical fit. Even with injured pitchers expected to return, the Dodgers prioritize depth to navigate a long season. Their strong farm system enables them to pursue Heaney at a low cost, offering a low-risk, moderate-reward option to stabilize their pitching staff.
Chicago Cubs Could Gain a Consistent Left-Handed Starter
The Chicago Cubs suffered a setback when Justin Steele went down for the year, impacting their postseason hopes. While Matthew Boyd has been a solid replacement, the team still lacks a dependable third or fourth starter to anchor the rotation.
Heaney’s ability to consistently deliver five to six innings without allowing games to slip away makes him an attractive addition. The Cubs possess a deep farm system, allowing them to potentially outbid other teams for Heaney without sacrificing their long-term outlook. While Heaney alone won’t transform their season, his presence could provide much-needed stability.
San Francisco Giants Look to Reinforce Rotation After Devers Trade
The Giants’ acquisition of Rafael Devers strengthened their offense but came at the cost of Kyle Harrison and Jordan Hicks, exposing vulnerabilities in their starting rotation behind Logan Webb and Robbie Ray. They need to supplement their staff depth as the National League Wild Card race tightens.
Heaney offers exactly what the Giants require: an experienced left-hander capable of filling innings without demanding high trade capital. His presence could stabilize the back end of their rotation at a crucial time, providing quality innings that hold significant value in the postseason chase.
New York Mets Face Decisions Amid Rotation Uncertainty
Despite a talented roster, the Mets have faced unexpected challenges with key starters Kodai Senga and Tylor Megill unavailable due to injury, while Sean Manaea and Frankie Montas have struggled through rehab efforts. Their pitching depth is under pressure as a result.
Heaney would be a logical acquisition to shore up their rotation, but the Mets have a reputation for hesitation once bidding escalates. With multiple teams likely vying for Heaney’s services, the Mets must weigh whether to aggressively pursue him or hold back.
For the Pittsburgh Pirates, Heaney’s strong season transformed a modest contract into a valuable trade asset capable of fetching promising prospects. For pursuing teams, he represents affordable, proven insurance to reinforce pitching staffs during the critical final stretch. And for Andrew Heaney, this opportunity adds another chapter to a career marked by resilience and consistent contribution.