Pittsburgh Pirates Andrew McCutchen (Image via USA TODAY Sports) Trade talk is starting to surface as the 2026 MLB season approaches, and the Pittsburgh Pirates are being connected to Boston Red Sox starter Brayan Bello. Pittsburgh is looking for another reliable pitcher to place behind Paul Skenes, and Bello is seen as a practical option because of his contract and recent performance.There is no sign that a deal is close. Still, league observers like Fansided’s Christopher Kline believe Bello could draw interest from teams that need starting pitching. For the Pirates, the goal would be to add stability without giving up their most valuable prospects.
Pittsburgh Pirates need rotation certainty while Red Sox have depth
Pittsburgh Pirates enter 2026 with Skenes at the top of the rotation. Mitch Keller and Bubba Chandler are expected to follow, and prospect Braxton Ashcraft adds depth. However, the team still lacks a proven middle starter, especially with Jared Jones working back from rehab.Boston’s situation is different. The Boston Red Sox have several established starters, including Garrett Crochet, Ranger Suárez, Sonny Gray, Bello, and Johan Oviedo. Prospects Payton Tolle and Connelly Early are also pushing for roster spots. That depth could allow Boston to move a starter if the right offer appears.
Trade idea focuses on young talent going to Boston
One possible framework would send Brayan Bello to Pittsburgh Pirates for outfield prospect Edward Florentino and right-handed pitcher Seth Hernandez, along with cash to help cover salary.Florentino is ranked No. 3 in the Pirates’ system, while Hernandez sits at No. 4. The Pirates would still keep their top prospects, such as Konnor Griffin and Chandler, while adding an established starter.
Boston Red Sox’s Brayan Bello (Image via Getty
Bello is owed less than $10 million per year through 2029 and has a $21 million club option for 2030. That type of deal gives Pittsburgh cost control for several seasons. Boston, meanwhile, would add position-player talent and another developing arm.
Key 2025 stats comparison
Bello has shown he can handle a full season workload, and his profile could fit well next to a high-strikeout pitcher like Skenes.PitcherAgeIPW-LERAK/9BB/9WHIPWAR (est.) Paul Skenes (PIT) 23 187.2 10-10 1.97 ~10.4 ~2.0 0.95 7.5+ Brayan Bello (BOS) 26 166.2 11-9 3.35 6.7 ~3.0 1.24 3.0Skenes led the majors with a 1.97 ERA and threw more innings than any qualified pitcher in the National League. Bello logged 166.2 innings, showing durability even with a lower strikeout rate.
What the move could mean for both teams
– Pirates: Bello would likely step in as the No. 2 starter. That would reduce pressure on Skenes and the younger pitchers while helping the club compete in the NL Central.- Red Sox: Boston could trade from its depth and still maintain a strong rotation. Florentino brings speed and a strong arm, and Hernandez offers long-term upside.- For the players: Bello could move into a clearer role outside a crowded rotation. The incoming prospects would get a chance to develop in Boston, where Fenway Park favors hitters.
Pros and cons
Pros • Pittsburgh Pirates: Adds a starter who can deliver 150 or more innings each season without sacrificing top prospects. • Boston Red Sox: Gains prospects and frees payroll space while keeping rotation depth. • League impact: A stronger Pirates rotation could tighten the NL Central race and give Bello a chance to prove he can hold a top-two role at age 26.Cons • Pittsburgh: Bello’s 17.7% strikeout rate and 4.52 expected ERA suggest some risk. The Pirates also finished 71–91 in 2025, raising questions about run support. • Boston: Would give up a pitcher who just handled 166 innings for players who have not reached the majors. • Overall risk: Bello benefited from a .268 BABIP that may not repeat, and Pittsburgh might have to increase its offer if other teams show interest.
Who benefits most?
The Pittsburgh Pirates could gain long-term value by pairing a durable starter with Paul Skenes while keeping their top farm pieces. A move like this could help push the team toward a winning record in 2026.Also read: MLB trade rumors: Arizona Diamondbacks connected to $17 million ex Los Angeles Dodgers star in free agency after Corbin Carroll injuryBoston Red Sox’s return would depend on how the prospects develop, but the team’s pitching depth lowers the risk. If the trade happens, a Skenes-Bello pairing would reshape Pittsburgh’s rotation and draw attention heading into the season.