Pirates Rumors: Pittsburgh Willing to Deal Kevin Correia

Nick Carfado of the Boston Globe reported yesterday that the Pittsburgh Pirates “would entertain a deal” for right-handed starting pitcher Kevin Correia.  Carfado added that Correia could be a back-end of the rotation option for a team in need of pitching.  So far this spring, the Boston Red Sox, Detroit Tigers and Los Angeles Angels have been some of the teams tied to starters.

The Pirates signed Correia to a two-year/$7 million deal last December.  The veteran right-hander went on to lead the Pirates in wins (12) and pitched well through the All-Star break.  Unfortunately, Correia and the Pirates struggled down the stretch, and the 31-year-old finished the year with an ERA and WHIP of 4.79 and 1.390.

This offseason the Pirates have added a pair of starters in Erik Bedard and A.J. Burnett.  Assuming Burnett can get healthy and Bedard can stay healthy, the duo figure to sit atop Pittsburgh’s starting rotation this season.

Beyond their offseason additions, the Pirates already had starters Jeff Karstens, James McDonald and Charlie Morton on their roster along with Correia.  Due to their new-found starting pitching depth, a major league source told Carfado that the Pirates would be willing to discuss Correia.

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