Selling Point: Pittsburgh Pirates Who Could Get Traded At The Deadline

OF Corey Dickerson

Perhaps the most challenging decision that the front office is faced with is whether or not to trade Corey Dickerson. After getting hurt early in the year, the Pirates gave rookie Bryan Reynolds a chance and he ran with it, hitting over .328 with a .895 OPS (entering play on Friday).

As a result, Dickerson, who was a prime candidate to be extended following a stellar season last year, suddenly becomes expendable, with Reynolds, Marte, and Polanco all seemingly capable of playing everyday, when healthy. With Dickerson set to become a free agent, he could be the odd man out if the Pirates decided to clench their wallet like last offseason.

Despite the crowded outfield and the injury, Dickerson has put together an impressive .303/.365/.500 slash line in his 38 games played so far, in large part due to his last seven games, in which he’s hitting .455 with a 1.210 OPS.

There would certainly be a market for Dickerson if the Pirates decide to shop him. However, with Polanco hitting the IL six times in the last three years and Reynolds having just 268 career AB, the Pirates may opt to extend Dickerson anyway for depth, although that seems unlikely. Marte also has two team options for the next couple of seasons at $11.5 million and $12.5 million, with buyouts of $2 million and $1 million, respectively. So, hypothetically, the Pirates could buyout Marte, and use that money to extend Dickerson instead, but that may be too far-fetched.

The Dickerson situation became murkier on Friday night. Following his second at bat, he exited the game with left groin discomfort. If he is injured, any chance of trading him is shot.

Potential Destinations: OAK, CLE, SF, PHI

Verdict: Somewhat Likely, depending on health