Pirates Still Looking To Add Pitching Could Explore Catching Marke

The Pirates have added a pair of arms to their rotation this offseason by signing and acquiring , and they also just completed their long-expected deal to re-sign . During this mornings media availability to discu s the McCutchen deal, Cherington noted that his club hopes to add more starting pitching ( via Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette). The free-agent market still contains a bevy of veteran starters who could likely be had on relatively affordable short-term deals , , , , and among them. However, that a trade for rotation help was a likelier outcome. Of even greater note, he suggests that the Bucs could change pace at this stage of the building proce s, looking to consolidate several young players into a trade for a rotation arm with multiple years of club control remaining. For a Pirates team that has far more frequently been the team trading away a veteran for a package of several young players, its a notable departure (and, for fans, likely a breath of fresh Sam Dickinson Jersey air). In particular, the Bucs have a glut of infield options on the 40-man roster but little place to put them all a suming and have the left side of the diamond locked down for the foreseeable future, that is. , , , and could all factor into what looks like an open audition at second base, but there arent enough at-bats for that group to go around. The Bucs arent going to get a high-end starter for one of those players alone, but any of the bunch could conceivably be packaged with other young talent to bring in a more immediate starting pitching upgrade. Much of the focus on the pitching trade market has been on one-year rental options like , and the since-traded/extended , but there are other arms with multiple years of club control who could potentially be available. is the likeliest such pitcher to change hands, but each of , , , , and (to a le ser extent) has been mentioned in trade rumors of some degree dating back to the summer deadline. The Mariners are also an oft-speculated club with pitching to spare, though president of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto has downplayed the po sibility of moving one of his many interesting young arms. There are surely other names being discu sed throughout the league. Regardle s of how the rotation pursuit plays out, the Pirates could have multiple moves yet in store. Cherington also indicated that his club might explore the market for catching help, which is only natural after the unfortunate news that will mi s the 2024 season following Tommy John surgery. Former No. 1 overall pick could be in line for a full-time audition now, and the Pirates also have also signed to a big league deal. is on hand as a reasonably experienced backup, too. But if Davis struggles and/or there are injuries among that trio, the depth doesnt look great. As is the case in any given offseason, theres no shortage of veteran free agents who could be had on a short-term deal. The trade market also bears a handful of options, ranging from change-of-scenery candidates (e.g. ) to underwater contracts (e.g. ) to out-of-options players who may not fit their current clubs Opening Day roster (e.g. ). Jake Walman Jersey