We haven’t even reached the end of August, but Tuesday might have felt like Christmas to some Pittsburgh fans.

Every time a team pulls the trigger on a headline-worthy trade, its fans — no matter the city — remind me of a toddler squirming downstairs and being awe-struck upon the sight of unfamiliar toys resting beneath the Christmas tree.

The intrigue is instantaneous and wide eyes of curiosity ensue.

Bucco fans had a similar reaction after general manager Neal Huntington delivered some new toys to the team’s clubhouse.

The Pirates acquired some much-needed offensive help Tuesday in the form of right fielder Marlon Byrd and catcher John Buck.

Byrd and Buck bring the potential of impact power to the Pirates. Byrd suddenly ranks second on the squad with 21 home runs. Buck is now fourth with 15 long balls, trailing only franchise cornerstones Pedro Alvarez (32) and Andrew McCutchen (17).

Byrd and Buck have value, but like most toys, they come with a warning label.

Although many fans are excited by the acquisitions, it would be wise to temper expectations for the newcomers.

Buck’s bat has showcased undeniable pop, but it has been on an extended vacation.

Buck went on a seemingly unreal tear over the first 25 games of the season, belting 10 homers and 29 RBIs while maintaining a .263 batting average. Reality came crashing down and he has hit just .198 with five homers and 31 RBIs in 76 games since.

In other words, Buck has looked even worse in the batter’s box than the catastrophic Rod Barajas for the better part of four months following his improbable start.

Still, the 33-year-old is a good option off the bench as a pinch-hitter with power and he has thrown out 30 percent of base stealers this season. Certainly an acceptable insurance policy if Russell Martin went down.

As far as season-long trends, Byrd has been the anti-Buck. He struggled in April with a .232 average and one home run, before turning it around. He has hit at a .295 clip and walloped 20 long balls since. Byrd, who turns 36 on Friday, has already set a career high in homers and owns a career-best slugging percentage this season.

In stark contrast, he hit only one home run over 143 at-bats in 2012 before being released and was subsequently hit with a 50-game suspension for PEDs.

Regardless of impact on the team, the most important aspect of the acquisitions is reaffirming belief the Pirates are striving to win now by taking a risk on rental players.

The Pirates mark Byrd’s sixth team since 2009. Buck is with his fifth during the same span.

These toys clearly aren’t built to last. But if they manage to stay useful through October, it will feel like an early Christmas in Pittsburgh all over again.