The Pirates and General Manager Neal Huntington still have some work ahead of them this offseason as they don’t appear to be finished in free agency, but it could be some time before any more moves are made.
The lack of free agent signings shouldn’t come as a shock to anyone due to the fact that the market really hasn’t been established yet for pitching.
Big names like Max Scherzer and John Lester haven’t signed creating a logjam for other pitchers behind them seeking smaller contracts.
There have been exceptions with A.J. Burnett signing his one-year deal with the Pirates, but that was due to the fact that Burnett personally asked his agent to only have discussions with Pittsburgh.
Moving away from pitching, It is hard to look at any possible position player additions at the moment now that Pedro Alvarez has been slotted as the starting first basemen.
#Pirates GM Neal Huntington: “If we started the season tomorrow, Pedro Alvarez would be our starting first baseman.”
— Rob Biertempfel (@BiertempfelTrib) November 21, 2014
However, that could change if the Pirates find the right deal.
Expect things to really pick up once the MLB Winter Meetings begin in San Diego on December 7th.
Liriano wants long-term deal
Bill Brink of the PG has reported that Francisco Liriano is searching for a long-term deal around the $12 million per-year range.
Hearing Francisco Liriano is looking for three- or four-year deals at $12 million-plus average annual value.
— Bill Brink (@BrinkPG) November 19, 2014
Definitely within the Pirates range if they are willing to invest in a long-term deal for a 31-year-old LHP.
Stay with PSN as free agency continues.
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(Photo Credit: Dale Sparks / All-Pro Photography)
