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

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.

A blockbuster deal could be on the horizon

Earlier this month, the Yankees and Pirates were reported as being engaged in trade talks for Gerrit Cole and possibly Josh Harrison. The Yankees already have a solid rotation consisting of Luis Severino, Masahiro Tanaka, Sonny Gray, C.C. Sabathia and Jordan Montgomery.

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While the top four of that rotation are experienced big league pitchers, Montgomery has just 155 1/3 major league innings under his belt. For that reason, it would make sense for the Yankees to add another mid-rotation pitcher. Whether Cole could fit that mold remains to be seen as the 27-year-old looks to bounce back from a rough 2017 season.

An emergent ace in Pittsburgh

Adding Cole would propel the Yankees’ rotation into one the best in the American League, assuming 2017 was an outlier for Cole.

From his major league debut in 2013 to the end of 2016, Cole established himself as an ace in Pittsburgh. Over 94 starts, the right-hander posted a 47-30 record and 3.23 ERA. In addition to that, Cole averaged 8.4 strikeouts per nine innings and logged an ERA+ of 118.

Despite those solid seasons, Cole regressed in 2017. In 33 starts, the righty went 12-12 with a 4.26 ERA. Along with that, Cole allowed 199 hits and 31 home runs in 203 innings pitched. To put things in perspective, Cole allowed just 36 home runs in the four years prior to 2017.

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.

Andrew McCutchen could also be on the move

In November, it seemed likely that Miami Marlins slugger Giancarlo Stanton could be traded to the San Francisco Giants. Despite that, Stanton was dealt to the Yankees, leaving the Giants and other teams looking to fill holes in the outfield.

Currently, the Giants have two inexperienced outfielders. Those two outfielders are Jarrett Parker (342 career MLB at-bats) and Gorkys Hernandez (525 career MLB at-bats). Because of that inexperience, the Giants could be a landing spot for McCutchen.

McCutchen is now 31 years old and is four years removed from his 2013 MVP season. After slashing .256/.336/.430 in 2016, McCutchen bounced back nicely in 2017. In 156 games, McCutchen slashed .279/.363/.486 with 28 home runs and 88 RBI.

While McCutchen will probably never win another Gold Glove in the outfield, he can still provide slightly above average defense. If McCutchen can maintain that and continue to build upon his 2017 offensive campaign, the Giants would be crazy not to at least try to land the former MVP.