The Pirates showed movement today as they signed free agent RHP Edinson Volquez to a one-year $5M dollar contract. His numbers haven’t been great the past few years after finishing as a Cy Young candidate with Cincinnati in 2008 (His rookie season). Some have said that he has the same outlook as Francisco Liriano. The only question is can Ray Searage and co. turn him into this years comeback player.
This also means that there is a good likelihood that A.J. Burnett will not be back next season as the signing of Volquez fills up the starting rotation (saying that Wandy Rodriguez is fully recovered from his arm injury by March). He will be fighting for the fifth spot in the rotation with Jeff Locke.
Bringing back Burnett is still a possibility, though, as reported by Travis Sawchik of the Trib.
Club source says if Volquez deal becomes official it does not preclude club from signing AJ Burnett
— Travis Sawchik (@Sawchik_Trib) December 11, 2013
As for some other players the Pirates have been looking at, the numbers are dwindling.
- The Mariners signed 1B Corey Heart and acquiring Logan Morrison from the Marlins. This narrows the Pirates search down as they continue to pursue James Loney. Ike Davis of the Mets has also popped up. Davis was tendered by New York possibly to be a trading chip. Another name that could come into play is the Mariners Justin Smoak, who could be moved after the additions of Heart and Morrison. The Mariners have let teams know that Smoak is available accourding to Bob Nightengale of USA Today Sports.
The #Mariners are letting teams know that Jesus Montero, as well as Justin Smoak, are available in trades.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) December 12, 2013
- Justin Wilson is still a Pirate after the third day of meetings. However he was mentioned as a target earlier in the day by the Nationals before they acquired LHP Jerry Blevins from Oakland. Wilson could be how the Bucs acquire a platoon first baseman, right fielder, or middle-infielder.
- Neal Huntington told Rob Biertempfel of the Trib that they will not be picking up a player in Thursday’s Rule 5 draft.
With full 40-man roster, #Pirates GM said team not likely to make a Rule 5 pickup tomorrow morning.
— Rob Biertempfel (@BiertempfelTrib) December 11, 2013
I wouldn’t be surprised if the Pirates make no more than one more move during the meetings, although some opportunities may arise.
Stay tuned to PSN all week as we will keep you updated with the Pirates in Orlando at the 2013 MLB Winter Meetings.
(Photo Credit: Elaine Thompson / AP)
