Pittsburgh Pirates could take measured approach to trade deadline
While many see the Pittsburgh Pirates as eventual sellers, don’t be surprised if they hold on to one of their most talked about trade candidates.
The trade deadline is still over a month away, but as we inch closer the Pittsburgh Pirates have been tabbed as one of the more interesting teams to watch. The Bucs have two potentially coveted pieces in outfielder Andrew McCutchen and starting pitcher Gerrit Cole. But according to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports, one is much more likely to go than the other.
Rosenthal reports that the Pirates are not inclined to implement a full-scale makeover, dealing anything of value in exchange for future assets. That means fans expecting a fire sale with McCutchen and Cole both moving elsewhere should pump the brakes for a moment.
The MLB insider believes the chances of a McCutchen trade remain high. The former MVP’s contract expires at the end of the year, though he can be renewed for 2018 with a $14.5 million option. He’s been the face of the franchise for nine seasons, but the Bucs might not view the soon-to-be 31-year-old as worthy of another long-term investment.
McCutchen also finally seems to be heating up at the plate, which means only good things for his trade value. On May 23, he was batting a lowly .200. Since then he is slashing a mighty .380/.457/.696 with six home runs and 17 RBI. The hot streak has raised his season line to a respectable .257/.332/.466 with 12 homers and 37 RBI.
His best days are still likely behind him, but McCutchen is showing that he’s not finished quite yet. There should be more than a few teams interested in the five-time All-Star as a rental, and the fact that he has potentially an extra year of control with his option gives Pittsburgh a bit more bargaining power.
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Rosenthal reasons that the Pirates could follow a similar strategy as they did at last year’s trade deadline. Rather than admit total defeat, they traded a couple significant players while also having competitive backup options in place. The Bucs traded closer Mark Melancon and starter Francisco Liriano, while bringing in reliever Felipe Rivero and starter Ivan Nova. On the cusp of the playoff picture at the time, this allowed them to get value for a pair of sought-after pieces while not completely tanking the club’s chances. It worked out fairly well.
The Pirates’ postseason odds look worse this year, but at six games behind in a division which no one seems to want to run away with, anything is possible. It appears the Bucs could once again keep their trade options open while refraining from an all-out rebuild.
If McCutchen is indeed shipped out, top outfield prospect Austin Meadows could be a candidate to take over, though Rosenthal notes he’s struggled so far at Triple-A. They might also look to buy low on another affordable trade acquisition.
However, Rosenthal doesn’t foresee a Gerrit Cole trade occurring before the upcoming deadline. He has frequently been listed as a target for contending teams seeking an ace, but the fact that the 26-year-old is still under control for two more seasons could push the Pirates toward keeping him in hopes he’ll be part of their next competitive club. The fact that he has stumbled a bit this season (4.54 ERA and 1.30 WHIP in 14 starts) might make them leery of dealing him at a relatively low point in value as well.
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Though they might not be the one-stop shopping destination some envisioned, the Pirates should still be a team to watch as we near the month of July and MLB’s wheeling-and-dealing days.