Pittsburgh Pirates Wake Up Call – To Trade or not to Trade?

In our daily Wake-Up Call, we get you ready for the day with a complete look at all things Pittsburgh Pirates

Still in Uniform

Day two of the Winter Meetings came and went with Andrew McCutchen remaining untraded. This should make Pirates’ fans feel a bit more confident in any potential trade. Neal Huntington has his asking price and seems to refuse to go under it. This is in stark contrast to the Neil Walker trade. Huntington seemed set on making that trade, regardless of return.

Andrew McCutchen will play on a different team in 2017, however. MLB Network announced he will play for team USA in the 2017 World Baseball Classic. The host club of McCutchen is still unknown.

There is no guarantee McCutchen will be traded, however. The Pittsburgh Pirates have two more years of control and as we saw with Mark Melancon in 2016, they aren’t afraid of trading a major piece midseason. It’s still likely you will see a McCutchen trade but don’t be surprised if he is still a Pirate come Opening Day 2017.

High Sale Price

For most of the last week, the only team discussed in the McCutchen sweepstakes has been the Washington Nationals. They seem to be the most serious potential trade partners. Chris Sale, the top pitcher available is also on the Nationals wishlist.

Lucas Giolito and Victor Robles, the prospects rumored to be on the Pirates’ watch-list are going to the White Sox in a potential Sale trade. This would impact the McCutchen trade as I do not think the Pirates will lower their price too much. McCutchen still has two seasons of team control, so they do not have to trade him this offseason. If Sale ends up a National, I think another team will have step forward to trade for McCutchen.

Jon Heyman of Fan Rag reported there is a “mystery team” in the McCutchen sweepstakes. It seems that every trade eventually involves some unknown team stepping forward to at least ask about a player. Especially when the player is a former league MVP and five-time All-Star.

Baseball Talk on the Web

Under Armour Signs Deal to Supply MLB Uniforms

MLB Sees Record Revenues Approaching $10 Billion For 2016

MLB Hot Stove: Ranking the 10 stars most likely to be traded at the Winter Meetings

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