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Who Should The Pittsburgh Pirates Target In A Potential Trade With The Nationals?

By Marty Leap

Aug 23, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates center fielder Andrew McCutchen (22) runs the bases on his way to scoring a run against the Houston Astros during the first inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 23, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates center fielder Andrew McCutchen (22) runs the bases on his way to scoring a run against the Houston Astros during the first inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 11, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Washington Nationals starting pitcher Reynaldo Lopez (49) delivers a pitch in the fifth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers during game four of the 2016 NLDS playoff baseball series at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 11, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Washington Nationals starting pitcher Reynaldo Lopez (49) delivers a pitch in the fifth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers during game four of the 2016 NLDS playoff baseball series at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

Right-handed pitcher Reynaldo Lopez

22-year old Reynaldo Lopez made his Major League debut for the Nationals in 2016. He pitched in 11 games, six starts, and hurled 44 innings. In these 44 innings pitched he averaged 8.59 K/9, 4.50 BB/9, and he allowed just four home runs.

The young left-hander entered the season as one of the Nationals’ top prospect. Additionally, he is a player the Pirates are interested in. At this past summer’s trade deadline Lopez was one of the names discussed when the Pirates traded Mark Melancon to the Nationals.

Reynaldo Lopez has an electric fastball. It routinely sits at 96+ miles per hour. He also throws a plus curve ball. Lopez still needs to work on refining his control, however, Ray Searage is the master at getting pitchers to do that.

Lopez has electric stuff, and would be controlled by the Pirates for the next seven seasons. Like Joe Ross, he is someone who would help both now and in the future. He is another player I would be targeting if I was looking to trade Andrew McCutchen.

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