After the Pittsburgh Pirates traded Josh Bell to the Washington Nationals on Christmas Eve, general manager Ben Cherington met with the media to discuss that trade and the possibility of others to come
The Pittsburgh Pirates made a splash on Christmas Eve. This splash came when the team traded former National League All-Star first baseman Josh Bell to the Washington Nationals. With this trade Bell’s five-year run with the Pittsburgh Pirates came to an end.
After trading Bell to the nation’s capital, general manager Ben Cherington met with the media. Cherington discussed both the Bell trade and the possibility of other trades this offseason. What, if anything, can be taken from what Cherington had to say?
On the possibility of other trades this offseason Cherington had this to say:
As many of you know, players such as Joe Musgrove and Adam Frazier have been rumored to be on the trading block this offseason. With the addition of Wil Crowe in the Bell trade, the odds of Musgrove appear to have increased. After all, Crowe is a MLB ready starting pitcher who the Pittsburgh Pirates will likely look to get into the starting rotation.
Cherington’s comments seem to confirm that the Pirates have been discusses Musgrove and Frazier, and potentially other players, with teams around baseball. It also reaffirms his commitment to rebuilding the Pirates through the addition of minor league/young MLB talent via trades.
Odds are, at least Musgrove and Frazier will still be traded this offseason. Relievers Richard Rodriguez and Chris Stratton, as well as starting pitcher Steven Brault could also be on the trading block. Make sure you stay tuned here at Rum Bunter throughout the offseason for all and any trade news pertaining to the Pittsburgh Pirates.