The Pittsburgh Pirates have made the playoffs in each of the past two seasons after suffering a 20-year postseason drought. Now, as they're seemingly one star player away from making a deep run, they may look to execute a big trade at the deadline.
Could Philadelphia Phillies starter Cole Hamels be that acquisition?
Pittsburgh was in the discussion for David Price at last year's trade deadline. Considering the left-hander was earning $14 million in 2014 and now $19.75 million in 2015, it looks like the Pirates may have some extra cash on their hands in the event something opportunistic presents itself.
In fact, according to Forbes, via Travis Sawchik of TribLive.com, the organization will rake in $43.6 million of operating income, which means they'll have a surplus of dollars to help build off of their $86.7 million payroll. While Price is an unlikely option because the Detroit Tigers will need him if they wish to contend (while they are also trying to sign him to an extension), Sawchik mentions one specific starting pitcher the Buccos can target.
"Cole Hamels is the first big-name arm on the market, and the remaining length of his contract - four years - lines up with McCutchen's remaining contract. Unlike a free agent, a trade this summer could allow the Pirates to add an impact arm on a shorter-term deal."
The left-hander has four years and $96 million remaining on his current deal and Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro wants a significant return in young talent for the veteran pitcher, which the Pirates may not be willing to do. Pittsburgh relies on their successful farm system, and trading some of their top prospects could set them back a few years.
However, considering their outfield is set for at least the next three-plus seasons with McCutchen, Starling Marte and Gregory Polanco, and their starting rotation has Francisco Liriano, Gerrit Cole, Jeff Locke and Vance Worley under contract for the foreseeable future, Pittsburgh could make a deal happen.
Their top prospects include starters Tyler Glasnow, Jameson Taillon, Nick Kingham and Mitch Keller as well as outfielders Austin Meadows, Josh Bell and Harold Ramirez, according to Baseball America.
With the Phillies unable to reach a deal with a number of teams including the Boston Red Sox, Texas Rangers, San Diego Padres and St. Louis Cardinals because of their rumored excessive demands, might Amaro turn to Pittsburgh at some point since he has yet to watch trade talks fall through with them?
A couple of the Pirates' prospects could likely get a deal done, especially if Pittsburgh is able/willing to take on all of the money remaining on Hamels' contract.
However, it's all dependent on general manager Neal Huntington willing to part ways with some of his top prospects and Hamels willing to waive his no-trade clause to join the Pirates.
