MLB Trade Rumors: Pirates Have Interest in Cubs’ Nate Schierholtz?

Jul 9, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs right fielder Nate Schierholtz (19) hits a single against the Los Angeles Angels during the fourth inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports /

Here is an MLB trade rumor you will not hear often—a team may be so interested in a player it is willing to give assets to a rival despite the chance it could make a rival better.

Thus is the case with the Pittsburgh Pirates, a team that may have a good amount of interest in Nate Schierholtz, who currently plays in the outfield for the Chicago Cubs.

Rob Biertempfel of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports that the Pirates may be interested in making a move for Schierholtz because of the team’s lack of production from the outfield:

"Right field has given the Pirates subpar offensive production all season, so general manager Neal Huntington might look to the Windy City for an upgrade.Multiple sources said the Pirates are checking into White Sox outfielder Alex Rios and Cubs outfielder Nate Schierholtz."

Shocking, right? Who could have guess the Cubs would be involved in even more trade rumors? Seriously though, the Pirates having an interest makes all too much sense. The asking price should not be all that ridiculous and it can do nothing but help the team.

The Cubs have shelved Schierholtz for the next few days, possibly because a trade is in the works. Possibly with the Pirates.

Follow me on Twitter for more NFL, NBA and MLB news and analysis @Chris_Roling

Home/Chicago Cubs