Former MLB general manager and columnist for The Athletic Jim Bowden says the Pirates will be a playoff team IF they’re able to go out and improve their hitting before the trade deadline.
Bowden tells The PM Team, “Ben’s been everywhere," looking for players.
“I’m being told that when you look at hitters that are on the marketplace like Jazz Chisholm in Miami and Josh Bell, who was a Pirate at one time, Brent Rooker in Oakland, Lane Thomas in Washington,” said Bowden.
The Marlins are out of the playoff race and are one of the few teams that will be selling before the deadline.
Bowden says in his conversations with Marlins GM Peter Bendix, Miami isn’t looking for specific positions, he wants the best possible prospects he can get in return for his players.
Bowden adds Pittsburgh is one of four teams that have had talks with Miami for Chisholm. He believes the Pirates would be the best spot for the 26-year-old.
“One of the biggest needs is centerfield, number one,” said Bowden. “Number two, that speed and power combination, to put in that lineup with Oneil Cruz, I think, would be special.”
The biggest reason he thinks Pittsburgh would be best for Chisholm is Andrew McCutchen and the guidance he could provide.
Bowden says he doesn’t know what Cherington is offering for Chisholm, but he would include Henry Davis in the deal. The 2021 overall #1 draft pick.
It will also take some prospects and Chisholm says the players are there in the system to make a deal.