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Pittsburgh Pirates Rumors: First Night Prepping for Winter Meetngs

By Nicholas Caporoso

Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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The MLB Network just had a round table with Joel Sherman, Ken Rosenthal, and JP Morosi.  They were discussing numerous rumors as the Winter Meetings get under way.  The Pittsburgh Pirates came up a few times.

Morosi andSherman stated on MLB Network that the Dodgers are in on McCutchen. Also, the Nationals, Rangers, and Giants have interest. The Pittsburgh Pirates should have plenty of suitors if a deal cannot be made with the Nationals.

They also stated that while the Dodgers would like to resign Turner, they could turn to McCutchen for a cheaper, right-handed bat.  Turner could get a contract around 16 million a year with a longer term commitment than McCutchen’s remaining deal.  The Dodgers are in a tough financial spot and while they still want to compete, they also need to be a little smarter with their money.  With the Dodgers on the verge of signing Rich Hill, they very well could float Jose De Leon in trade talks.

Ken Rosenthal, Joel Sherman, and JP Morosi: All believe that Andrew McCutchen will be dealt at the meetings.  They would find it hard to believe if a deal is not made.  Right now Sherman said: “the Nationals and Pirates are in a staring contest on McCutchen.”  He also expect the Nats to make multiple splash moves at the meetings.

Dan O’Dowd, the resident general manager at MLB Network and former Colorado Rockies GM, said that he also expects McCutchen to be dealt at the meetings.  He said that as a former general manager he knows that it will be hard to have a continued relationship between the Pirates and McCutchen going forward.

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Also more news around the Pittsburgh Pirates today:

The Pittsburgh Pirates are ready to deal Antonio Bastardo.  Recently the Pirates have seen left-handed relievers get sizable contracts on the free agent market.  Brett Cecil landed a deal paying him 7.5 million dollars over the next four years. Meanwhile,  Marc Rzepczynski signed a deal that will pay him 5.5 million dollars over the next two years.  Due to the Pittsburgh Pirates having a surplus of left-handed pitchers in their bullpen Antonio Bastardo seems to be the first player that could be dealt from the Bucs. They are looking to take advantage of the interest in left-handed relief pitching.  According to Bill Brink of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette the Bucs are willing to move some money to get a better return.  Furthermore, Brink says:

"“They could ask for more in return for Tony Watson, but prefer to move Antonio Bastardo. Both are a year away from free agency. The Pirates have indicated to other teams that they will pay down some of Bastardo’s $6.5 million salary.”"

Also according to a rival scout the Pittsburgh Pirates are active on the Josh Harrison trade front. The scout told me that while there has not been deep talks with any teams, the Pittsburgh Pirates have a list of interested parties.  A Harrison trade likely will be a trade made later in the week in the earliest if not later in the off-season.  The scout told me that most of the teams who are interested are viewing Harrison as a fall back option to other trade targets like Brian Dozier and Ian Kinsler.

Related Story: Winter Meetings Primer

The Winter Meetings are officially under way.  Prepare yourself for the flurry of not only a lot of moves, but even more rumors as the week progresses.  Chances are the Pittsburgh Pirates will be active.  The consensus around the league is that it is only a matter of time until McCutchen is moved.  With that, stick to Rum Bunter over the next few days. We will be breaking down all the rumors and moves surround the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Also Comment Below with what you expect over the next few days!

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