As the 2016 non-waiver trade deadline rapidly approaches, the Pittsburgh Pirates appear to be in buy mode.
With that being said, to get something you have to give something up. Pittsburgh Pirates general manager Neal Huntington has been very good at improving the club at the trade deadline in the past without giving up too much.
What we do know is that this club is very deep both at the major league and minor league levels. The obvious place that Huntington can look to improve the current team is on the mound, but if he is able to do that, who can be dealt?
There are some realistic options and some not so realistic trade chips as well. Guys like Andrew McCutchen, Tyler Glasnow and Austin Meadows aren’t going anywhere.
Also keep in mind that these are trade chips, not necessarily guys linked to deals. They are just players Huntington should consider moving for various reasons.
So who could Huntington look to move?
Jon Niese
Since his demotion to the bullpen, Niese had thrown five scoreless innings before allowing a pair of runs on Friday against the Phillies.
It just hasn’t worked out for Niese in Pittsburgh, as his 4.95 ERA and 5.39 FIP are the worst of his career. A change of scenery could be good for both parties. Dealing Niese now isn’t likely to bring back much of a return, but if Huntington can find a buyer it will accomplish a couple of other things for the Bucs.
The first is that it will get Niese’s $9 million salary off the books. The second is that it will free up a roster spot for a younger and more effective arm.
Niese still could be somewhat attractive to a team needing another starter as he still would be under club control through 2018. If Huntington can find a taker and can get a mid-level prospect that is a few years away, it would still be a win for the Pirates.
We continue our list of Pittsburgh Pirates trade chips with someone caught in an epic swoon.
CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
