Possible Landing Spots for Joe Musgrove
After the trade of first baseman Josh Bell on Christmas Eve, it has become evident that the Pirates are looking to move toward a different direction. A complete rebuild. Trade key players for any value they may have now, and look toward the future. According to Pirates’ GM Ben Cherington, “This probably won’t be the last of them,” referencing the Josh Bell trade that sent RHP Wil Crowe (WAS #3 Prospect) and RHP Eddy Yean (WAS #6 Prospect) to the Bucs. Crowe is a potential rotation piece for 2021 and Yean is a high upside, young arm that could make an impact in the future.
While Bell might not have had as much value as some thought, Joe Musgrove is the complete opposite. Musgrove posted a 3.86 ERA and a 1.24 WHIP in 8 starts during a shortened 2020. In 2019, Musgrove had a 1.22 WHIP in 31 starts. The Pirates have a lot of depth in the starting pitching department, with guys like J.T. Brubaker, Steven Brault, Chad Kuhl, and Wil Crowe fighting for the last couple of rotation spots. As Joe Musgrove is a guy who may lead the rotation in 2021 if kept, there is no doubt that his value is at the highest this offseason.
It has been rumored that the Angels, Red Sox and Blue Jays are interested in Joe Musgrove, so here are some possible trade scenarios that we may see the Pirates make in the coming weeks:
Pirates Land Multiple International Prospects
Pirates Acquire
OF Gilberto Jimenez (BOS #5 Prospect)
RHP Thad Ward (BOS #9 Prospect)
SS Brainer Bonaci (BOS #17 Prospect)
Red Sox Acquire
RHP Joe Musgrove
Cash
Summary
This trade makes sense in a lot of ways. To start, the Pirates love international prospects, and both OF Gilberto Jimenez and SS Brainer Bonaci came out of Latin America.
Not only does Jimenez have a nice hit tool, his defense and speed is where he really shines. In 2019 with the Short-Season Lowell Spinners, he posted a .393 OBP and only 38 strikeouts in 234 at-bats.
For RHP Thad Ward, he has absolutely dominated the minor leagues. In 36 starts between Short-Season and Single-A, Ward compiled a 2.46 ERA and 1.21 WHIP. Going into 2021, he will be 24 years-old and may be able to make it up to Triple-A by the end of the season. The 2018 5th round pick has a lot of upside and features a four pitch mix that can get big league hitters out.
Brainer Bonaci is a guy who can become a well-rounded prospect. The switch-hitting infielder put together a nice season in the Dominican Republic in 2019, and is projected to be in the big leagues by 2024. Bonaci is a defense-first middle infielder, who can make unimaginable throws from deep in the hole at shortstop. This makes him able to stick at the position.
Pirates Acquire Catcher of the Future
Pirates Acquire
C Gabriel Moreno (TOR #8 Prospect)
RHP Eric Pardinho (TOR #12 Prospect)
OF Dasan Brown (TOR #16 Prospect)
Blue Jays Acquire
RHP Joe Musgrove
Summary
While the Pirates have not addressed the lacking depth at the catcher position, this trade will give the Pirates some upside. Moreno is only 20, and has the opportunity to stay at the catcher position longterm, with quick hands and above average arm strength. Through his three year career, Moreno has put together some nice seasons at the plate as well, posting a .395 OBP and .359 average in 2018.
For Pardinho, 2021 will be a comeback year, as he recently underwent Tommy John Surgery. A top prospect out of Brazil, Pardinho signed for $1.4 million during the 2017 international signing period. Not only does Pardinho have plus stuff, he is only 19, and the right development could make him an elite starter in the major leagues, and possibly sooner than later.
Acquiring Dasan Brown would provide much needed depth and speed to the future of the Pirates’ outfield. A 3rd round draft pick in 2019, Brown has a lot of upside, but some scouts say the Blue Jays must be patient for his development. He is projected to become a plus defender with a ton of speed, complimented with a decent hit tool.
Angels
Pirates Acquire
OF Jordyn Adams (LAA #3 Prospect)
RHP Jack Kochanowicz (LAA #10 Prospect)
Angels Acquire
RHP Joe Musgrove
Summary
The former 1st round pick Jordyn Adams may provide the long term answer in center field for the Pirates. While strikeouts were a problem for Adams in 2019, the 21-year-old outfielder has great speed, complimented with a plus fielding grade. While Adams still has a long way to go, by the end of his development, he may become a problem in the big leagues.
For Kochanowicz, his plus frame and movement may develop into front-end rotation talent. His 6 foot 6 inch frame provides an easy, downhill delivery that assists in his solid command. Kochanowicz has not played an inning of pro ball, but all the signs implicate that he could put together a nice career in the big leagues.
