Fansided

MLB Trade Rumors: Top 10 remaining offseason trade candidates

By Joshua Sadlock

MILWAUKEE, WI - SEPTEMBER 15: Christian Yelich #21 of the Miami Marlins walks through the dugout before the game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park on September 15, 2017 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
MILWAUKEE, WI - SEPTEMBER 15: Christian Yelich #21 of the Miami Marlins walks through the dugout before the game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park on September 15, 2017 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /
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PITTSBURGH, PA – AUGUST 23: Josh Harrison #5 of the Pittsburgh Pirates in action against the Los Angeles Dodgers at PNC Park on August 23, 2017 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA – AUGUST 23: Josh Harrison #5 of the Pittsburgh Pirates in action against the Los Angeles Dodgers at PNC Park on August 23, 2017 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /

4. Josh Harrison

Pittsburgh Pirates brass isn’t necessarily ready to pull the plug on the 2018 team and enter a full rebuild despite what trading Gerrit Cole and Andrew McCutchen within 24 hours of each other would lead you to believe. Two-time All-Star utility man Josh Harrison isn’t quite so bullish on his team’s chances to remain competitive next season and beyond.

"I love this city, I love the fans, I love my teammates. Saying that, the GM is on record as saying, ‘When we get back to postseason-caliber baseball, we would love our fans to come back out.’ If indeed the team does not expect to contend this year or next, perhaps it would be better for all involved, that I also am traded. I want what is best for the organization that gave me a chance to be a Big Leaguer."

The trades the Pirates have already made this offseason are difficult to figure. They turned down an offer that could have brought back Clint Frazier from the New York Yankees to take a package with more guarantee but less upside from the Houston Astros. McCutchen’s package was headlined by a relief pitcher with 32.1 MLB innings under his belt at the age of 25.

Harrison is on the right track. The Pirates aren’t going to be winners in 2018, and probably not for a few more years after. Continuing the rebuild the rest of the winter makes sense. On the surface, there’s no reason Harrison needs to be moved immediately, as he is under team control for three more years on a very inexpensive deal. However, it’s worth noting that the 30-year-old’s offensive production has been all over the map in his seven-year career.

Over the past four years, Harrison has hit .290/.331/.428 with two trips to the All-Star Game. In his non-All-Star seasons, he combined to hit .285/.318/.389 with eight home runs and 87 RBI in 245 games. At his best, Harrison is an above-average hitter with some pop who can play six positions. Take his bat out of the equation, though, and he is only a little better than a replacement-level player. The Pirates would be wise to trade him now for prospects a little further away from the big leagues than what they’ve landed from their first two trades.

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