The Pirates have been linked to several players already this offseason, and that trend isn’t going away.
The New York Times reported today that the Pirates inquired about a few Cardinals players, including Brendan Donovan, Lars Nootbaar, Nolan Gorman and Alec Burleson. The Cardinals will be reportedly looking for a large return for Donovan and won’t move Burleson unless they are “blown away by an offer.”
MLB Network and New York Post reporter Jon Heyman is also linking the Pirates to several players, whether it be via free agency or trade. According to the report, the Mets are trying to offload Jeff McNeil, listing the Pirates and Marlins as potential landing spots. Heyman then adds the Pirates are “aiming even higher,” pursuing both Kyle Schwarber and J.T. Realmuto. Finally, Heyman said the Phillies are shopping Nick Castellanos and named the Pirates as a potential option.
Echoing what Travis Williams said recently: “Talk is cheap.” If the Pirates really are considering bumping payroll up to $110 million, as Dejan Kovacevic reported here exclusively, being linked to players that can drastically improve the offense isn’t enough. Eventually, moves will have to be made.