In our daily Wake-Up Call, we get you ready for the day with a complete look at all things Pittsburgh Pirates.
While the Bucs continue to try and figure out what direction this team is heading, one of their competitors made it clear of which way they are trending.
The big news in the National League Central on Thursday came in the form of the Milwaukee Brewers, who not only traded for outfielder Christian Yelich, but also inked free agent Lorenzo Cain to a five-year deal.
If they hadn’t already, at least on paper, Milwaukee clearly has lapped the Pirates in terms of finishing near the top of the division for the next few years.
By being stuck in neutral, the Pirates not only have to contend with the Chicago Cubs and St. Louis Cardinals in the division, but also must find a way to lap the Brewers as well.
To acquire Yelich, Milwauke parted ways with top prospect outfielder Lewis Brinson, infielder Isan Diaz, outfielder Monte Harrison and right-handed pitcher Jordan Yamamoto. Brinson, Diaz and Harrison were rated among the Brewers’ top 10 prospects with Brisnon checking in as the No. 7 overall prospect in the game.
This angered a lot of Pirates fans as the Brewers dealt highly thought of prospects to improve the current team, something Neal Huntington has never been willing to do.
The Brewers have Yelich under team control for five more seasons.
Milwaukee then signed Cain to a five-year, $80 million deal.
Cain, 31, hit .300/.363/.440 (112 OPS+) last season while producing 5.3 WAR.
That also angered Pirates fans as the Pirates favorite “small market” doesn’t apply to teams wanting to win.
Tonight, the @Brewers — who play in the smallest @MLB television market, per @Nielsen — have committed to the largest free-agent contract of the offseason.
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) January 26, 2018
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
Milwaukee isn’t likely done yet as they have a surplus of outfielders including: Keon Broxton, Ryan Braun, Domingo Santana, Brett Phillips and others that they will likely deal from to improve the pitching staff. A deal would seem likely soon and they could really target anyone, with Tampa’s Chris Archer a logical trade candidate.
The Brewers have also been reportedly involved in talks with starting pitchers Yu Darvish, Jake Arrieta and Alex Cobb at different points through the offseason, although a trade seems more likely now than another big free agent splash.
You have to give Milwaukee credit for wanting to compete. Their lineup is very good and if they can make a deal for a front line starter they will be a real threat in the NL Central.
It’s clear now that the Pirates don’t have just two hurdles to jump over in the division, but three.
On paper they are the fourth, if not fifth best team in the division and it could take a few years before they belong back in the conversation with Chicago, St. Louis and Milwaukee.
Baseball talk on the web
Finding unexpected fits for top free agents
Free agents want their own spring training
Joese Reyes back with Mets
Subscribe To Pirates Breakdown Radio
Our podcast feed has been reborn as Pirates Breakdown Radio. On one singular feed, you will find a variety of shows, interviews, quick hits and much more. All designed to keep Pittsburgh Pirates fans informed and entertained no matter where they are.
We are on all the major podcast platforms, including iTunes and Google Play. So whether or not you have an Android or an iPhone/iPad, click on the corresponding button below to get subscribed!
Thanks for checking us out here at Pirates Breakdown. Please make sure to follow us on Twitter and Instagram and like us on Facebook for the best Pirates coverage all year long!
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
