MLB Trade Deadline 2017: 5 best spots for Hunter Pence
By John Buhler
Pittsburgh Pirates
NL, Central
Hovering around .500 are the Buccos from Western Pennsylvania. After a largely disappointing first half, the Pittsburgh Pirates have played better ball as the trade deadline approaches. That’s not exactly going to help the Pirates know what to do at the deadline: buy or sell.
Since the NL Central race between Pittsburgh, the Chicago Cubs and the Milwaukee Brewers is tightening, it wouldn’t be shocking to see the Pirates make an under-the-radar deal to improve their ball club. Why not trade for the most swash buckling looking player at the plate from the last decade plus in Pence?
Getting outfielder Starling Marte back after his 80-game PED suspension should help the Pirates in their postseason push alone, but Pittsburgh hasn’t been able to lean on its outfield as much as it wants to this season so far. Star player Andrew McCutchen is having a down year in all honesty. Maybe a spark off the bench in Pence could help Pittsburgh come alive down the stretch?
Frankly, the Pirates got their big bat back in the outfield in Marte, so they don’t need to trade for a guy like Pence. However, the dude just looks like he’d be a great fit with the Pirates. Pence would be a guy that all the Pirates and their fans would rally behind, as he helps lead the Buccos to another postseason berth.