Bleacher Report Proposes Wild Trade Idea Between Pirates, Brewers

October 5, 2026 · Yahoo Sports

The Pirates and Brewers are two National League Central teams with much different priorities right now. Milwaukee is one game away from clinching a spot in the NLCS. Pittsburgh, meanwhile, is planning for the offseason in hopes of being in the same spot next year.

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The Pirates have several needs this offseason, none bigger than trying to re-sign Brandon Lowe. In addition to Lowe, general manager Ben Cherington will have bullpen help near the top of his wish list.

Kerry Miller of Bleacher Report recently released six potential offseason trades, and he has the two divisional foes getting together on a deal that would land the Pirates one of the top closers in baseball.

Miller proposes that the Brewers trade closer Trevor Megill to the Pirates for a pair of prospects. Catcher Easton Carmichael and outfielder Lonnie White Jr. would head the other way.

The Brewers have often traded away star players who are entering the final year of their contracts. They did so last winter with right-hander Freddy Peralta, who was dealt to the Mets for two prospects.

Megill fits the bill this offseason. The 32-year-old is projected to earn $8 million in his final year of arbitration before reaching free agency after the 2027 season. Megill, who was an All-Star in 2025, went 3-3 with a 2.63 ERA and 30 saves in 60 appearances during the regular season this year. The right-hander walked 15 batters and struck out 69 in 61.2 innings while holding opponents to a .181 batting average.

Carmichael reached Double-A Altoona this year after a strong season with High-A Greensboro. Combined between the two levels, the 22-year-old slashed .287/.339/.486 with 22 doubles, three triples, 20 home runs, 92 RBI and 13 steals. White totaled 91 games with Altoona after a promotion from Greensboro and batted .262/.366/.500 with 16 doubles, two triples, 19 home runs, 48 RBI and 12 steals with the Curve.

Megill would give the Pirates one of the most formidable back of the bullpens in MLB along with Mason Montgomery and Luke Weaver. His $8 million projected salary is steep for a reliever but not egregious given his performance.

Carmichael and White are both quality prospects and in PBN’s top 30. Considering the talent of Megill, it’s a fair asking price.

There are a number of factors that could prevent a deal like this from happening. The Brewers probably aren’t thrilled by the idea of trading their closer to a division rival. The Pirates probably don’t love the idea of trading two notable prospects for a one-year rental. The uncertainty of a potential lockout further complicates matters.

But it’s fun to speculate. And there’s no denying Megill would be a huge addition to Pittsburgh’s bullpen. He would be a good fit.

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