Rumors say Pirates are receiving interest in a trade for veteran Andrew McCutchen. But, with the Pirates unlikely to move Cutch, who could be moved instead?
Recently, there have been rumors of the Texas Rangers being very interested in acquiring Andrew McCutchen from the Pittsburgh Pirates. McCutchen and the Pirates have been adamant that this isn't what either of these two parties wants, as the Pirates legend wants to finish his career with Pittsburgh.
But with Cutch seemingly off limits, unless a ridiculous package is offered, who could the Pirates move this year? Will they be buyers or sellers? The current state of their team and their farm system gives them quite a positive outlook for the future, meaning they could sell a few pieces in order to plan for the future.
But which pieces will be dealt by the deadline?
Pirates Rumors: 3 players who will be trades who aren't Andrew McCutchen
3. Reliever Dauri Moreta could be on the trade block this year
This could come as a surprise to many Pirates fans as Dauri Moreta has been both better than expected and he's controllable. Moreta was acquired from the Reds in a trade for Kevin Newman. The Pirates faithful didn't expect much from him, as he was abysmal in Cincinnati last year. But this expectation couldn't have been more wrong for the right-hander. He's improved on his ERA, K/9, H/9, and HR/9 since last year.
But, if the Pirates aren't serious contenders at the trade deadline, they could deal Moreta to receive a decent prospect haul back. He's valuable for a few reasons. First, he's under contract for a long time. He isn't eligible for arbitration until 2027. His value to a contender is much higher than most trade deadline options because of this controllability.
But this could result in a team like the Dodgers, Astros, Yankees, or another contender giving up much more than the Pirates would expect, resulting in a trade offer they can't refuse. The first trade chips to be dealt are the relief pitchers on selling and rebuilding teams.
Moreta may not be a part of the Pirates' future, which could see him dealt over the next few months, likely to receive a half-decent haul in return.
2. 43-year-old Rich Hill could be on the trade block this year
The hottest commodity during every trade deadline is starting pitching. Each year, some team is willing to part with their ace, resulting in another team paying top dollar to acquire a game-changing starting pitcher. But the rest of a rotation matters as well. This is where the end of the rotation starters come into play at the trade deadline.
There may not be a more acquirable end-of-the-rotation veteran than the longtime veteran Rich Hill. Hill doesn't dominate games as he did years ago, but he is still the epitome of consistency in the Pirates rotation. He is almost certain to continue to throw to his mid-4s ERA this year, including in a playoff push for a contender. This level of ERA can keep a good offense in games more often than not.
Hill doesn't have a future with Pittsburgh, and he may not have much of a future in baseball, as he's 43 years old. It would make sense for both sides to part ways if the Pirates aren't serious about making a playoff push.
If they sell, Rich Hill will be traded. He likely won't net them a big return, as he isn't great or controllable, but Hill gets the job done and this will make him a target to contending teams with holes at starting pitcher.
1. Starting first baseman Carlos Santana may be on the trade block this year
If the Pirates stay within playoff contention over the next month, Carlos Santana will be safe on the roster. Santana has been a staple in the Pirates lineup this year, playing in 70 of the Pirates' 78 games this year. He's provided the club with a slugging bat in the middle of their lineup that also gives them a veteran presence they lack otherwise.
Santana could become available if Pittsburgh dedicate themselves to selling, which would definitely come with a trade of Carlos Santana. Santana is on an expiring contract and closing in on the age of 40. He provides no benefit to the future of the Pirates, but he could be a decent bat on a few desperate playoff contenders.
There are a decent amount of teams that could have interest in the veteran first baseman. Santana's postseason experience with the Cleveland Guardians and his 14 years of Major League experience add to his value a bit.
He likely wouldn't net the Pirates much in return, but a few young prospects are better than losing him in free agency in a few months.
