The Pirates are showing interest in the Orioles’ Taylor Ward and the Angels’ Jo Adell, according to Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon of The Athletic. He’s expected to miss 6-8 weeks and might not return until the postseason, if the Pirates make it that far. From that angle, the team’s interest in Ward and Adell could signal a desire to double down on a strength rather than fill a specific need. The Yankees, Phillies, Rangers, and Guardians are among those who have expressed interest in Ward to date. Having arguably their best playoff opportunity in years, the team should still be willing to take on additional payroll, be it for Ward, Adell, or other players.