Going into the All-Star Break, the Pittsburgh Pirates were playing some really good baseball. However, they lost all their momentum during the break and have since lost five out of six to the division-rival Cubs and Cardinals. They are now 6.5 games back of the National Central league and in fourth place.
With the 2019 trade deadline looming, the rumor mill is starting to get going. Teams that are in contention are starting to really consider adding to their areas of need, while teams who are somewhat out of it are starting to make their players available.