PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Pirates are not discussing a contract extension with first baseman Sean Casey, a sign they may be looking to trade their highest-paid player before the end of the month.

The Pirates dropped hints earlier this season they might like to sign Casey to a multiple-year contract that would allow him to keep playing in his hometown beyond this season. Casey was acquired from the Reds with one year left on a contract that pays him $8.5 million this season — all but $1 million paid by the Pirates.

That's a lot of money for a team that traditionally has had one of the majors' lowest payrolls — and for a player who doesn't hit for much power.