Pittsburgh Pirates news and notes from day two of the Winter Meetings

The second day of Major League Baseball’s Winter Meetings is winding down – here is a recap of Pittsburgh Pirates news from the day

The busiest week of the Major League Baseball off-season continues on in Orlando. Day two of the Winter Meetings did not feature quite as many rumors and news nuggets surrounding the Pittsburgh Pirates as day one did. However, there are still some things to discuss.

First off, the trade rumors continue to swirl around Pirate ace Gerrit Cole. After interest from the New York Yankees was reported yesterday, the Baltimore Orioles, Milwaukee Brewers, and Texas Rangers all appear to have at least kicked the tires on Cole today.

Of these teams, the one that the Pittsburgh Pirates would be least likely to trade Cole to is the Brewers. This is due to the Bucs and Brew Crew being in the same division. You can read more about Cole and the Rangers here.

One thing that appears to be changing with Gerrit Cole is the likelihood that he is traded. Yesterday, it seemed unlikely that Cole would be traded. However, ESPN’s Buster Olney is now reporting differently.

Personally, I still do not expect Cole to be traded. It certainly seems much more possible than it did 36 hours ago, though.

Additionally, second baseman Josh Harrison‘s name continues to float in trade rumors. After interest from the Toronto Blue Jays was reported over the weekend, it was reported today by Tom Haudricourt that the Brewers are also interested.

As was said above with Cole, and inner-division trade with the Brewers would be an unlikely one. However, it is one that the Brewers and Bucs at least discussed briefly.

There was also Andrew McCutchen news today. Earlier in the off-season it was reported that the San Francisco Giants had interest in McCutchen. After Giancarlo Stanton nixed a trade to the city by the bay to head to the Yankees, it seemed logical that the Giants would once again contact the Pirates about McCutchen.

This, however, does not appear to be the case.

According to MLB Trade Rumors, McCutchen is not a top priority. Instead, the Giants appear to be pursuing another National League center fielder in Billy Hamilton.

Next: A look at the relationship between Rivero's fastball and changeup

Major League Baseball’s Winter Meetings continue tomorrow in Orlando. Stay tuned with Rum Bunter for all of the latest Pittsburgh Pirates news and rumors from the Winter Meetings.