Trade talks between the Pittsburgh Pirates and New York Yankees for Gerrit Cole appear to have stalled. If the Yankees don’t act quickly, the Colorado Rockies should offer the Pirates a package.
Starting pitcher Gerrit Cole is the most prominent name on the trade block. It’s none other than the New York Yankees who are after the Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher.
From what we can all muster, the trade hasn’t happened yet because the Yankees aren’t willing to part with what the Pirates want. Namely, it’s shortstop Gleyber Torres they are after.
Before Shohei Ohtani joined the MLB, Torres was regarded as the top prospect in baseball. The high-profile talent has a chance to begin the 2018 season on the Yankees’ Opening Day roster.
Even after missing a large chunk of 2017 due to Tommy John Surgery, the Yankees are sure he can contribute to the big league club soon.
The Pirates know how great Torres can become which is a big reason why Cole remains in Pittsburgh.
Shortstop is a need for the Pirates, and I don’t blame them for holding out as long as they can. There’s no following reason to dump Cole without getting the players they want. Should the Yankees refuse to include a shortstop, the Pirates should get on the phone with the Colorado Rockies.
The Rockies have the talent to acquire Cole. They will also see their window for winning close after the 2018 season. Charlie Blackmon and DJ LeMahieu are both free agents after the upcoming season. There’s no telling where this team will go after that so to go all in this year makes a whole lot of sense.