Pirates to explore the trade market?

Expect to see the Pirates more involved in the trade market than the free agent market.

The Pirates are looking to restock their system and will listen to offers for just about everybody.

The Pirates will be players at the GM meetings and a lot of names will be rumored

It is very unlikely that Nate McLouth will be moved. The Yankees have considerable interest but it’s going to take a package of Robinson Cano, Ian Kennedy for the Pirates to move McLouth. The Marlins have also made an inquiry

The Rangers, Rockies, Mets, and Yankees have interest in Ian Snell. The Braves have also shown interest and if they miss out on Jake Peavy they may explore making a play for Snell and signing a bigger name in free agency like Derek Lowe. Still, just as it is with McLouth, the Pirates asking price is high with Snell.

The Pirates are not a serious suitor for Japanese pitcher Junichi Tazawa

The market for Jack Wilson is currently strong with 5 teams having interest including the Orioles, Tigers and Jays. Once the market for shortstops shapes up in free agency it will become more clear whether Wilson will be moved.

Among the Pirates top targets on the trade market are Braves second baseman Kelly Johnson and Yankees second baseman Robinson Cano. Johnson is a more likely scenario but he could be shipped off to San Diego in a trade for Jake Peavy. Cano is unlikely unless the Pirates move Snell or McLouth to New York

At this moment I have the Mets, Twins and Tigers interested in John Grabow

Interesting situation going on with Adam Laroche. I’m hearing the front office is split on their long term plans with him. The Pirates are going to explore the trade market for him but there as some in the Pirates organization who feel they may try to sign him to an extension this winter. Signing Laroche is the worst case scenario right now. Don’t really see a trade market for him

The Indians are a team to keep an eye on at the GM meetings. The Indians and Giants are two teams to express interest in second baseman Freddy Sanchez.

The Pirates are going to explore the market for another bat in their lineup. In the free agent market they are hopeless. The trade market is their best route to go and indications are they may look to some underachieving players that need a change of scenery. Two possibilities are Marlins outfielder Jeremy Hermida and Braves outfielder Jeff Francoeur. Both teams are selling low.

Former Pirates Update

Former Pirates pitcher Oliver Perez is expected to command $12-$14 million the open market.

Reports indicate the Yankees are working on a extension for reliever Damaso Marte

Jason Bay is interested in remaining with the Red Sox long term

In the coming days I’ll take a look at some potential free agents the Pirates are interested in