In our daily Wake-Up Call, we get you ready for the day with a complete look at all things Pittsburgh Pirates.
The obvious choice
The Pittsburgh Pirates announced today that they have picked up Andrew McCutchen’s 2018 option. This move is not very surprising as it was obvious the Pirates weren’t just going to let their star center fielder go. Not without at least getting some prospects in return!
Unless something really unexpected happens, 2018 will be Andrew McCutchen’s last as a Pittsburgh Pirate. The Pirates spent a bulk of last offseason attempting to trade McCutchen or simply “listening to offers” if you are to believe Neal Huntington. Coming off a 28 home run .279/.363/.486/.849 season if the Pirates attempt to trade McCutchen, they should have some more luck than they did last offseason.
The return on a would-be McCutchen trade could be somewhat substantial but with only one year left on his current contract, I don’t expect it would be franchise-altering. When you trade your franchise player, it should be a game-changer. Unless a big market team does something fairly stupid, I don’t expect the Pirates will get a worthy return in any potential trade.
STEEEEEEW
The Pittsburgh Pirates also announced that they declined the 2018 option on Chris Stewart. For most fans, this isn’t really bad news as Stewart had a fairly terrible 2017 season. However, he was a very solid defensive catcher and did some great work with the team’s young pitchers.
The Pirates need to get younger, which makes this move the correct one. Stewart is an aging catcher with declining skills so he really doesn’t fit the team’s needs anymore. I know most people have recency bias when it comes to athletes but Chris Stewart had some pretty great moments as a Pirate.
When I think of Chris Stewart’s Pirates’ career, I think of this game-tying base hit against the Cardinals. People will forever remember this game for Andrew McCutchen’s iconic walk-off home run but the star center fielder wouldn’t have gotten that chance without Chris Stewart coming to the rescue first.
Moving on from Stewart is the right move and I doubt many will miss him next season but Chris Stewart got everything he could out of his talent. The man played Big League Baseball for 11 years. No one can ever take that away from him. Here’s to you, Stew, I wish you nothing but the best in 2018 and beyond.
Baseball talk on the web
Awards season starts with BBWAA finalists
Predicting destinations for top 25 free agents
The way-too-early 2018 Power Rankings: Can Houston repeat?
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!
Download Our Mobile Apps
The introduction of our new FREE Mobile Apps gets fans closer to their favorite Pittsburgh Pirates coverage than ever before. Click here to learn about some of the features of our new app – or, if you just can’t wait, click the corresponding app store for your device and grab your copy now.
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!
