Pirates Bolster Bullpen At Trade Deadline

PITTSBURGH (AP) — The Pirates made a significant move to boost their struggling bullpen by acquiring veteran pitcher Luke Weaver from the New York Mets. The Pirates, aiming to end a decade-long playoff drought, traded 21-year-old shortstop prospect Sammy Stafura for the 32-year-old Weaver. This marks an aggressive financial push for the typically frugal team. Weaver is in the first season of a $22 million, two-year contract. The trade follows a 2-7 stretch for Pittsburgh in which the bullpen frequently struggled. Weaver has been a standout for the Mets this season, going 2-1 with a 1.84 ERA in 42 appearances.  The Pirates also added right-handed relievers Kirby Yates from the Los Angeles Angels, Lake Bachar from the Miami Marlins and took a flyer on San Diego prospect Andrew Moore.