More names have surfaced in the past 48 hours as potential trade pieces for the Pirates, who are expected to be buyers by this Thursday’s 4 pm trade deadline.
Jon Morosi of FOX Sports has reported the Pirates are continuing to look at Phillies reliever Antonio Bastardo, but they may also have their eye on another position player from Philadelphia.
Marlon Byrd: Morosi has reported the Pirates are also interested in Byrd, who was acquired by the Pirates after last year’s deadline.
Pirates showing interest in Phillies LHP Antonio Bastardo and OF Marlon Byrd, sources say. @FOXSports1
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) July 29, 2014
Byrd currently posts a slash line of .273/.482/.803 with 22 doubles, 20 home runs and 60 RBI in 105 games this season.
Byrd has one more year on his contract at $8 Million along with the remainder of the $8 Million owed to him this season.
Jon Lester: Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe reports the Pirates may get into trade talks with the Red Sox for the LHP.
A couple of baseball executives think the Pirates may get into Jon Lester trade talks with Red Sox.
— Nick Cafardo (@nickcafardo) July 29, 2014
Lester is in the final year of a 6 YR/ $42.75M contract where he is owed $13M this season. HE has posted a 10-7 record with a 2.52 ERA and a 1.119 WHIP in 21 starts while striking out 149 and walking 32.
It would most likely take a top prospect or two along with something else in order to land Lester, who would be a half-year rental unless the club decides to dish out a large sum to sign him long-term.
— Morosi also reports the Pirates are still searching for a left-handed reliever.
Pirates continuing to look for a left-handed reliever, sources say.
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) July 29, 2014
Andrew Miller: Rob Biertempfel of the Trib reports the Red Sox are also willing to move left-handed reliever Andrew Miller.
#RedSox are shopping lefty Andrew Miller. #pirates are interested, have been scouting sox for couple of weeks. — Rob Biertempfel (@BiertempfelTrib) July 27, 2014
Miller posts a 2.45 ERA (11 ER / 40 1/3 IP) with a 0.942 WHIP in 48 appearances while striking out 65 and walking 12.
Miller is in his third year of arbitration (1 Yr / $1.9M) and will be a free agent after the season. He is another strong presence in the back-end of the bullpen and could be signed to a 1-2 yr contract to help solidify a Pirates bullpen that has not been as effective as it was last season.
LaTroy Hawkins: Thomas Harding of MLB.com has reported that the Pirates are believed to be interested in the Rockies closer.
The 41 year old right-handed reliever has 17 saves for the Rockies this season in 37 appearances while posting a 3.09 ERA (12 ER / 35 IP) with 17 strikeouts and nine walks.
Harding also reports that Hawkins likes being in Colorado and the team believes he could be a valuable veteran presence to the young core of players on the team. He is finishing up a 1 yr, $2.5M contract with a $2.25M club option for next season.
Stay with PSN for updates as the July 31, 4 PM trade deadline draws near.
(Photo Credit: Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
