One of the Pirates most popular players is considered ‘highly likely’ to be on the move before spring training opens.

A Pirates source put the percentages of the club moving Josh Harrison next month at [hide] ‘85%’ as the Pirates have engaged into deep trade conservations on Harrison with multiple clubs.

MLB Insider Jon Heyman mentions the New York Yankees, New York Mets, Toronto Blue Jays and Colorado Rockies at the forefront of the Harrison trade market.

Word out of the Pirates organization this morning is that the group of teams seriously in the mix for Harrison is more around six than four teams.

The Pirates strongly considered moving Harrison last winter/season and he was almost dealt to the Dodgers and Red Sox at various points but serious pushback from manager Clint Hurdle led to the Pirates eventually taking him off the market.

Interest is so high in Harrison this off-season that the Pirates feel it’s too risky not to move him now. Sources close to Harrison also indicate that the 30 year old loves Pittsburgh but wants to win. Speculation last July was that Harrison was hoping for a trade to Red Sox.

Harrison’s salary jumps to $10 million this season with club options the next two seasons. Harrison’s contract is seen as a bargain for 3/4 of other Major League clubs.

Contract: 2018: $10 million, 2019: $10.5 million club option ($1 million buyout), 2020: $11.5 million club option ($500,000 buyout).[/hide]