MLB Free Agency: Pittsburgh Pirates could be eyeing James Loney

Oct 7, 2013; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Rays first baseman James Loney (21) hits a single against the Boston Red Sox during the fifth inning of game three of the American League divisional series at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

The Pittsburgh Pirates were finally able to reach the playoffs this season after 20 plus seasons.

It was a year that was pretty intense for not only the team, but it’s fans. I’m a Chicago Cubs fan and I was excited when this team reached the playoffs, mainly because I wanted them to eliminate the St. Louis Cardinals.

Eventually they were eliminated by the Cardinals and are currently looking to add pieces to that puzzle that’s close to being completed.

After they traded for Justin Morneau, he failed to bring the power he displayed in Minnesota with him to Pittsburgh.

Morneau played in 25 games with the Bucs and only collected 20 hits with just three RBI’s. He only managed to pick up seven hits in six games during the post-season.

Now that Morneau is in Colorado, the Pirates are currently looking for someone who can step up and provide both offensively and defensively.

According to Jayson Stark on Twitter, the Pirates believe that Loney is emerging as their top choice at first base.

Clubs that have talked to #Pirates believe James Loney emerging as their top choice at 1B. Heard they've also asked on Adam Lind & Moreland
— Jayson Stark (@jaysonst) December 4, 2013

The move would make sense considering the year he had with the Tampa Bay Rays. He struggled the year before between both the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Boston Red Sox.

After hitting just six home runs and 41 RBI’s in 2012, he hit 13 home runs and 75 RBI’s with a batting line of .299/.348/.430 with the Rays.

He may not be the hottest free agent on the market, but he’s shown that he has the ability to give the team a little more than what they paid for.

Loney would be a great sign by the Pirates.

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