3 Pirates that will be traded not named Andrew McCutchen

Pittsburgh Pirates right fielder Andrew McCutchen (22) warmed up in the on-deck circle in the fourth inning of the MLB Opening Day game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Pittsburgh Pirates at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, March 30, 2023. The Pirates led 4-2 in the fifth inning.Opening Day Pittsburgh Pirates At Cincinnati Reds /

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Jun 18, 2023; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Dauri Moreta (36) throws a pitch during the eighth inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /

Rumors say Pirates are receiving interest in a trade for veteran Andrew McCutchen. But, with the Pirates unlikely to move Cutch, who could be moved instead?

Recently, there have been rumors of the Texas Rangers being very interested in acquiring Andrew McCutchen from the Pittsburgh Pirates. McCutchen and the Pirates have been adamant that this isn’t what either of these two parties wants, as the Pirates legend wants to finish his career with Pittsburgh.

But with Cutch seemingly off limits, unless a ridiculous package is offered, who could the Pirates move this year? Will they be buyers or sellers? The current state of their team and their farm system gives them quite a positive outlook for the future, meaning they could sell a few pieces in order to plan for the future.

But which pieces will be dealt by the deadline?

Pirates Rumors: 3 players who will be trades who aren’t Andrew McCutchen

3. Reliever Dauri Moreta could be on the trade block this year

This could come as a surprise to many Pirates fans as Dauri Moreta has been both better than expected and he’s controllable. Moreta was acquired from the Reds in a trade for Kevin Newman. The Pirates faithful didn’t expect much from him, as he was abysmal in Cincinnati last year. But this expectation couldn’t have been more wrong for the right-hander. He’s improved on his ERA, K/9, H/9, and HR/9 since last year.

But, if the Pirates aren’t serious contenders at the trade deadline, they could deal Moreta to receive a decent prospect haul back. He’s valuable for a few reasons. First, he’s under contract for a long time. He isn’t eligible for arbitration until 2027. His value to a contender is much higher than most trade deadline options because of this controllability.

But this could result in a team like the Dodgers, Astros, Yankees, or another contender giving up much more than the Pirates would expect, resulting in a trade offer they can’t refuse. The first trade chips to be dealt are the relief pitchers on selling and rebuilding teams.

Moreta may not be a part of the Pirates’ future, which could see him dealt over the next few months, likely to receive a half-decent haul in return.

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