With the Trade Deadline Approaching Who are the Pirates Biggest Trade Chips?
As we start approaching the end of August, the 2020 MLB Trade Deadline creeps closer as teams start to evaluate their playoff chances. For the Pirates, it is a time to see which players on their current roster can be dealt and bring back the biggest return to start a rebuild. With the new regime in place, this will most certainly be the Pirates position again in 2020 as Ben Cherrington and his staff look to turn the Pirates from perennial losers to a competitive team again. To do that, fans are going to have to say goodbye to some of their favorite players so that the front office can make way for the next generation of Pirates.
But which current Pirates players would bring the team the biggest return? That is what we look at today as we go through the top three trade candidates for the Pittsburgh Pirates here in 2020. When looking at a guy for the trade deadline, you have to take a look at his career as a whole rather than his stats from this season. A lot of players have been struggling to get going this season, and that has caused averages across the league to take a dip. While these moves disappoint many of the fan bases, it usually turns out for the best in the long-run and gives the teams young stars a chance to shine. So, here are the Buccos Cove top Pirates trade candidates at the 2020 Trade Deadline.
Second Baseman Adam Frazier
Rumors have been swirling around Pirates second baseman Adam Frazier all off-season, and I think the Pirates will finally act on those rumors. Frazier's story starts out like many of the other stars in the Pirates system over the last several seasons. He came up as a utility man, playing both infield and outfield until he hit his way into the Pirate's everyday lineup at second base. He has been one of the more consistent hitters for the Pirates over the last several seasons hitting in several spots in the order. Last season, he added defense to his game and was a finalist for the National League Gold Glove Award at second base by season's end.
His consistent hitting is probably one of his biggest attributes and something that can help several teams across the league. Over his first five seasons with the Pirates, Frazier has hit .275 with 31 home runs and 154 RBI in 469 career games played. He has had a batting average over the .275 mark in each of his first four full seasons and his best year came in 2018 when he hit .277 in 113 games played, most of that coming at Second Base. He has been a strong lead-off hitter throughout his career and, although he isn't a striking home run threat, he is currently tied for third on the Pirates all-time list for leadoff home runs. His defense at Second Base has gotten better each year as well and he posted a .989 fielding percentage last season and finished third in voting for the NL Gold Glove
If Frazier were dealt at the deadline, he probably would not bring back a top prospect from any team, but a mid-level prospect is not out of the question. The Pirate's two biggest needs right now are pitching depth and catching depth and Frazier could definitely bring back a legitimate prospect. One of the possible landing spots for Frazier was the Oakland Athletics and their #11 catching prospect Jonah Heim is someone who the Pirates might be able to target. He is a 25-year old switch-hitting catcher who has put up good numbers at Triple-A. In 2019, he hit .310 with nine home runs and 53 RBI in 85 games behind the plate. He has also been noted for his strong defensive ability, throwing out 52 potential base stealers last season.
Closer Keone Kela
At the beginning of the 2020 season, I would have said Kela was a lock to get traded at the deadline. However, he hasn't been able to show off his stuff because of a bout with Covid-19 and a few postponed games this week. He is a good young closer that could help out in many contending team's bullpens. When he has been healthy, and not suspended, for the Pirates he has been a good arm and has developed into the team's closer. With three-plus pitches, he can blow a fast a by you at 95 and then slow things down with a nasty slider.
Last season, he had a career-year and pitched to a 2-0 with a 2.12 ERA in 29 innings of work. His velocity was good in the upper nineties, but a series of injuries and suspensions limited his time on the mound with the Pirates. His strikeout numbers were excellent with 33 punchouts, but his control was a little off as he had 11 walks during that time. He got a few save opportunities towards the end of the season but struggled going one for five in those scenarios. Kela was looking for a chance to rebound as the Pirates full-time closer in 2020, but COVID-19 made him miss Spring Training 2.0 and he had to ramp up in Altoona before coming to Pittsburgh.
Kela's trade value is kind of in the air considering how little he has played the last two seasons. One deal I really like for the Pirates is one that would give them some help at the Major League level. The New York Yankees are one of the contending teams and bullpen help is always a must going into the playoffs. One of the Yankees who is stuck is Clint Frazier being blocked both at first base and in the outfield. Last season, Frazier hit .267 with 12 HR and 38 RBI and had a good showing in four games this season hitting .533 (8-15) with two home runs and eight RBI. If the Pirates and Yankees could swap Kela for Frazier the Pirates could move Bryan Reynolds to center field and have Frazier and Polanco in the corners.
Whatever shakes up at the Trade Deadline, the Pirates will more than likely look a lot different after August 31st. With a day off on Monday, the Pirates (4-14) are back in action against the Cleveland Indians (13-9) on Tuesday at PNC Park. JT Brubaker (0-0) will make his second career start for the Pirates going against Carlos Carrasco (2-2). You can watch the game live on AT&T Sportsnet or listen on 93.7 The Fan.
Definitely some good possibilities here, so here are my thoughts and why. I would seriously consider trading the following players - Bell and Polanco. Bell because of trade value which would give the Pirates a better chance of securing a quality pitcher, open first base for several other players who could fill that position. Polanco might also be a player to trade. While he has been one of the players the Pirates have been counting on, I have not witnessed the quality performance - disciplined hitting or fielding for which the Pirates had been so eagerly expecting. Granted, the Bucs would be giving up some present home run potential, but this is an area I think the Pirates can temporarily fill. Since Frazier, in my mind is a more disciplined hitter than Polanco and can play either the infield or outfield, RF might be a good position for him to play and also fill in at 2nd base. Trading Polanco would open up 2nd base for Newman and allow Tucker a good opportunity at SS where I think his strength lies, though in some instances play CF if needed. Pitching wise, there is no way I would give up Keone Kela because there is a solid closer for the Bucs. Let's not lose him. To me one of the big question marks is Moran - keep or trade. If Bell and/or Polanco are traded, he could be a real asset with his home run ability. While his fielding is suspect, he could fill in at 1st base when needed or as the DH. This could free up someone who seems to have been somewhat passed over so far this season - Osuna who could fit right in at 1st base or in RF. Look at some of the remaining players who can fit right in at some key positions and who would be could work their way into the lineup especially at 3rd or possibly SS if Tucker doesn't pan out there and also an experienced at CF. Going back to Polanco and Bell and their trade value, the possibility of securing both another starter and possibly a backup catcher would be a solid help. I know Polanco might be the one most people might question, but I think at this point in time, I would stick with Frazier unless the Pirates could strike up a real deal that may include him as part of the package. Looking at the total picture, obtaining a stronger starting pitcher, back-up quality catcher, and perhaps some additional help in the bullpen since a number of those guys currently occupying it are extremely questionable from overall ability or consistent performance. Not sure how my rationale will be received, but these would be my trade possibilities.
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