The Pittsburgh Pirates are selling off their stars, and utility man Josh Harrison wants to be the next one out the door.
After trading starting pitcher Gerrit Cole and outfielder and former MVP Andrew McCutchen in the span of a week, the Pittsburgh Pirates are clearly heading for a rebuild.
After making the postseason for three straight years between 2013-15, the Pirates have stumbled for two years, failing to qualify for a 163rd game. Pittsburgh general manager Neal Huntington has taken the painful but necessary steps to start tearing down the team in hopes of a bright future.
However, none of that is going to keep infielder Josh Harrison around, who believes it would be in the best interest of both player and team if he was dealt. Harrison, 30, is a valuable piece to any club planning to contend. He can play multiple positions around the diamond and offers a potent bat. Last year, Harrison played in 128 games and collected 16 home runs and 12 stole bases while batting .272 with a .339 on-base percentage. His best year came back in 2014 when he hit .315 and cranked 13 homers with 18 swiped bags.
Next: Best MLB player from each state
Harrison is not only a talented player but comes at an affordable price. The seven-year veteran has three years remaining on his deal including 2018, at a total of $32.25 million. However, only his salary of $10.25 million is guaranteed through this year, with the last two seasons being team options.
With Pittsburgh clearly intent on rebuilding the club through a few lean years, it makes sense to get something for Harrison while allowing him to chase a World Series ring.