We heard on Wednesday morning that the Pittsburgh Pirates have been discussing trade talks and making progress, despite a lack of rumors for the last 8-10 days. On Thursday morning, Jon Morosi had some specifics, saying that the Pirates and the San Francisco Giants have talked about an Andrew McCutchen trade recently.
Morosi notes that his sources are saying that the Pirates want one of the top three prospects for the Giants in the deal. That’s according to the list at MLB Pipeline, which has OF/1B Chris Shaw ranked first, followed by right-handed pitcher Tyler Beede and outfielder Heliot Ramos. None of them are considered top 100 prospects in the game.
Shaw was a first round pick in 2015, who has hit well in the upper levels, showing some power. His biggest issue is that he is a much better first baseman than a corner outfielder, and he’s only adequate at first base. That would mean that they would need a lot of value from his bat. He has power from the left side, which should work well at PNC Park, but he also doesn’t project to be a high average/OBP guy due to some strikeout issues, a long swing and a lack of walks.
Beede was a first round pick in 2014 and just like Shaw, he is 24 years old. He pitched in Triple-A this season and had some issues, although that’s the be expected from anyone in the high-offense Pacific Coast League (which you need to keep in mind when looking at pitching/hitting stats). Beede controls four pitches that are all at least average. One area of concern with him might be his velocity according to MLB Pipeline. He usually works 92-94, touching 97 MPH, but they said he was a couple of ticks slower this season.
Ramos would be the most exciting of the group, but he’s just 18 years old and has only played in the Arizona Summer League (equivalent of the GCL). He put up terrific stats there and showed four plus tools. He lacks the plus hit tool, but that’s something we could see develop with age and some added patience at the plate. Ramos was the 2017 first round pick of the Giants.
