The Pittsburgh Pirates have some obvious needs in the lineup, something the front office will hopefully figure out this winter.
It's tough to say that the Pirates will do everything necessary to put this team in the best position to compete, but they also have some pieces to move on the trade market if they go that route.
When examining some trades, I like the idea that Pittsburgh Baseball Now put together for this organization this winter. Danny Demilio of the outlet suggested that Jarren Duran could be a get for the Pirates.
Duran has been a trade rumor over the past year and a half or so in Boston, and with the Red Sox's obvious need for starting pitching, why can't something unfold on that front?
“The Pittsburgh Pirates are rich in starting pitching and need outfield help. The Boston Red Sox have outfield depth but will be looking to add to their starting rotation... Two outfielders in particular good be of interest to the Pirates — Wilyer Abreu and Jarren Duran.
“Given that Abreu is younger, cheaper and has an extra year of contractual control, he will probably require a bigger return than Duran, but the Pirates have enough to get a trade done for either if Boston is willing to engage. Of the two, Duran seems the more likely of the two to get moved this offseason. Mitch Keller is heavily speculated as a trade target this offseason and could be of interest to the Red Sox given they have a need in their starting rotation,” he wrote.
A big leaguer for a big leaguer trade would be somewhat surprising, just given what we see around Major League Baseball. Still, I also wouldn't be too surprised if the Red Sox and Pirates were both willing to figure something out for Mitch Keller and Duran.
Even if there have to be a prospect or two who go elsewhere in this deal, it's one that would make sense for both sides.
The Pirates are in a good position if they land someone like Duran and move on from Keller due to their starting rotation depth, while the Red Sox would be adding a middle-of-the-rotation caliber arm.