Chicago Cubs: The impact of a Pittsburgh Pirates fire-sale on the Cubs

WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 29: Andrew McCutchen #22 of the Pittsburgh Pirates prepares for a game against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on September 29, 2017 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 29: Andrew McCutchen #22 of the Pittsburgh Pirates prepares for a game against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on September 29, 2017 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) /
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PITTSBURGH, PA – SEPTEMBER 26: Andrew McCutchen
PITTSBURGH, PA – SEPTEMBER 26: Andrew McCutchen /

The Pittsburgh Pirates are looking to rebuild after a 75-win season. That means they could be looking to trade their top players. If that happens, what impact would that have on the Chicago Cubs?

Going into the 2018 season, the Chicago Cubs seem to be the favorites to win the NL Central for a third-straight season. The only true threat to that could come from the Milwaukee Brewers. The Brew Crew gave the Cubs a run for their money in 2017 before falling off the pace in the second half.

Despite being favorites to win the division in 2018, the Cubs could eventually face a challenge. That challenge could come in the form of the Pittsburgh Pirates. The Pirates are looking to rebuild following a fourth place finish in 2017.

According to Bleacher Report, the Pirates had the 18th-best farm system at the end of the 2017 MiLB season. As the article points out, the graduation of Josh Bell and Tyler Glasnow hurt the strength of the Pirates’ system. Despite that, the Pirates still have a solid group of prospects led by Mitch Keller (RHP), Austin Meadows (OF) and Kevin Newman (SS).

With that solid core of almost-ready MLB talent to draw from, the Pirates seem to be looking to move big-name pieces this winter. Some names that have floated around include ace Gerrit Cole, former MVP Andrew McCutchen and jack of all trades Josh Harrison.