Pittsburgh Pirates: Perfect Time to Move A Reliever

With injuries occurring around the league, with two notable injuries in the American League East, the Pittsburgh Pirates are in prime position to make a move.

The Pittsburgh Pirates are in a full fledged rebuild and have already traded away three members of their 2020 roster, with three deals bringing back what looks to be good returns.  David Bednar looks to be on the active roster, Wil Crowe, Miguel Yajure and Roansy Contreras have looked good in Spring Training, and Hudson Head and Maikol Escotto look to be guys ready to break out.  The club has a few more players it could deal, with Adam Frazier seeing his name pop up over the last few off seasons.

One player, though, is relief pitcher Richard Rodriguez, who has three years of club control left.  Rodriguez, initially signed to a minor league deal has pitched well for the Pirates, and posted a 2.70 ERA last season for the club.  He misses bats and limits walks, while looking to be the team’s closer in 2021.  He should gain some interest and it should be noted that Rob Biertempfel, of The Athletic, mentioned at the start of Spring that Rodriguez is a guy likely to me moved.

Now is the perfect time to move Rodriguez.  Kirby Yates, who signed a one year deal worth $5.5 million with the Toronto Blue Jays, recently got Tommy-John surgery, requiring him to miss all of this season.  Similarly, the New York Yankees left-handed reliever Justin Wilson has some left-shoulder tightness and will not be ready to start the season with a no time table on his return.

The Pirates have already made a trade with the Yankees and the Blue Jays have had interest in Steven Brault and Chad Kuhl in the past.  The Pirates and Ben Cherington likely have kept doing their homework on prospects in the two systems that could help the clubs align on a trade for Richard Rodriguez.