SerpApi.Org
PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Pirates are open to trading a player many believed would never be on the block. At least not this season.
According to MLB insider Bob Nightengale, the Pirates are open to discussing a trade for outfielder Oneil Cruz. This isn't the first time Cruz's name has been brought up in trade hypotheticals, but it is the first time there seems to be some momentum behind the reports/rumors.
"They do have outfield depth. Can they trade Oneil Cruz to get some bullpen help? They need bullpen help as much as any contender out there. They can use another starter too," Nightengale told Foul Territory TV. "So I think they’re going to listen to offers on Oneil Cruz to see if they get the other pieces."
Cruz is currently on the 60-day Injured List and has been absent due to a hand injury since June 6. During his time away, Esmerlyn Valdez has become an up-and-coming star, hitting 13 home runs and continuing to be the next face of the Pirates with Cruz and Konnor Griffin both injured.
Cruz will turn 28 by the end of the season but has never been able to put all the pieces together during his time in Pittsburgh. The team and the fanbase are hopeful he can turn into the complete package - power, speed and a crazy arm from the outfield, but it just hasn't happened yet.
Will it ever? The Pirates listening to trade calls may indicate that they don't believe it will.
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This article was originally published on www.si.com/mlb/pirates/onsi as Pirates Listening to Oneil Cruz Trade Offers.
