MLB: Four teams with a big decision to make at the trade deadline

Pittsburgh Pirates

The Pirates have rallied off 13 wins in their last 19 games. Over that span, Pittsburgh has climbed in the division and are now just four games off the Cubs’ lead. Suddenly, Andrew McCutchen is an MVP caliber player again, and Starling Marte’s return is significantly more meaningful than it was expected to be a few months ago. Additionally, every noteworthy Pirate is off the trade market.

The momentum is at a season high in Pittsburgh, but is the Pirates’ success the worst thing that could have happened to them?

McCutchen’s stellar play skyrocketed his trade value; however, as McCutchen has gone, so has his team. A potential prospect heavy return for Andrew McCutchen is no longer in the works or even in thought. While the talks could resurface this offseason or next trade season, McCutchen is no longer a factor in this year’s trade market.

The same goes for Gerrit Cole. Cole was among the starting pitchers prominently mentioned at the opening of trade talks this season. At age 26, and still under control, the Pirates could have received a greater return for their current ace than for their all-star outfielder.

The Pittsburgh Pirates’ decision to contend or rebuild is not as stressful as some of the following teams. They have a lot of young players in Gerrit Cole, Josh Bell, Starling Marte, Gregory Polanco, Jameson Taillon and Tyler Glasnow. Pittsburgh will continue to improve in the coming years, but its their competition that is concerning. The Cubs look to be a World Series threat for many years to come. Milwaukee appears slightly more ready than Pittsburgh. And the Cardinals are a team that will never be counted out. Ultimately, Pittsburgh may be a step behind in their division for an annoyingly long time. That is why a rebuild could be justified.