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 – AUGUST 23: Josh Harrison #5 of the Pittsburgh Pirates celebrates with teammates after hitting a walk off home run in the tenth inning breaking up a no hitter against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 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 celebrates with teammates after hitting a walk off home run in the tenth inning breaking up a no hitter against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the at PNC Park on August 23, 2017 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)

Cole and Harrison could help the Yankees

It would seem unlikely for Cole to have another rough season like he had in 2017. With that outlook and the fact Cole will not be a free agent until 2020, he could become a front-end starter for the Yankees.

Adding Cole would also give the Yankees the option to split up the fifth rotation spot, allowing some flexibility if the aging C.C. Sabathia started to decline.

As mlbtraderumors.com suggested before Christmas, the Pirates would likely include Josh Harrison in a trade with New York if the Yankees included Chance Adams, Miguel Andujar and Clint Frazier.

Making a deal work for both sides

Trading Andujar would make sense for both teams who are looking for an upgrade at that position. With Todd Frazier a free agent, the Yankees are lacking an experienced everyday third baseman. Harrison, who is 30 years of age, has over 1,800 innings of major league experience at the hot corner. In addition to that, Harrison has logged over 2,000 career innings at second base, another position the Yankees could use help at moving forward.

Along with his defensive versatility, Harrison can swing the stick. Over seven seasons, Harrison has amassed a .281/.321/.414 slash line and an OPS+ of 100.

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