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Jason Mackey's MLB winter meetings chat: 12.11.25
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Jason Mackey
12:27
Baseball players? I don't think it would have to be anyone primed to impact the MLB club. You could give up more talent if it's in Single-A, and the Rays do that stuff well.
demosthenes98
12:28
Based on what you observed at the winter meetings, what's the general MLB-wide sentiment toward the Pirates? Amusement? Pity? Hatred of Bob Nutting and all that he stands for? Something else?
Jason Mackey
12:28
Surprise. They seem like they want to do something. Skepticism because of their past. Believe it when we see it. They at least seem like they're taking this seriously. If they would only spend ...

All of those things.
Mark Topoleski
12:29
I feel like I'm taking crazy pills reading all these Mike Burrows trade rumors. He had 1.5 war in 100 innings, he's post-TJ, and has six seasons of control left! That's arguably already close to Mitch Keller, who still has never put a full season together and Jared Jones, who hasn't shown he can pitch a full season yet.
Jason Mackey
12:29
Not sure what you're saying here. Do you want Burrows to be traded? You don't? You think he's overvalued? Undervalued? Please clarify.
Ryan
12:29
Jason do the pirates make any other free agent signings soon also does Sid pass Mario on point list during the home games this weekend and also do the pirates make any offer trade
Jason Mackey
12:30
  1. I think they'll do something before Christmas.
  2. Gonna go with no. Only because I need another day or two to work on advance feature.
  3. I think they'll absolutely make a trade to improve the offense this offseason, yes.
Bob from Allentahn
12:30
Is their interest in Brandon Lowe legitimate? Where would that put Gonzales? Move to the bench?
Jason Mackey
12:31
Yes. Could move him to 3B. SS if they don't have Griffin there. Could DH Lowe or try to move him. If they get Lowe and Gonzales hits, I would love to have that problem.
Butch
12:31
Does BC know he is going to have to overpay any decent free agent to sign here?  You can use Skenes in the sales pitch all day long but the incoming player knows that once he hits arbitration the pirates are trading him.  Then they are the ones stuck in the garbage can.
Jason Mackey
12:31
Ben is well-aware he needs to overpay, yes.
Josh
12:31
any shot they look into adding a SP as well? Verlander would be a good addition to a young rotation as would a lefty starter.
Jason Mackey
12:32
They could. I think that's an intriguing strategy. Basically trade Keller or Ashcraft if the right deal is there, then back-fill. That's absolutely something they're considering.
Paul
12:32
It’s fun to see the Pirates associated with bigger names on the free agent market. But I truly feel the team should pivot to realistic options while they’re still available. A package of players like Kyle Tucker (OF), Josh Bell (DH/platoon), and Jorge Polonco (infield) could be just as impactful as one Schwarber.
Jason Mackey
12:33
That package would cost a lot more than Schwarber, but I get what you're saying. If you have $30 million, are they better served spending it on one or multiple? Said on the pod with Colin the other day, if I had to choose between $30 million on Schwarber or $30 million on Suarez + a Konnor Griffin extension, I would take the latter.
YINZER Tom
12:33
If the Pirates can “offer” 125M over 4 years to one player. They can “offer” and sign 125m over 4 years to two players or three players. We will find out soon enough if they are sincere or just table bidders to look as if they are trying when they are not. What do you think it would take in a trade to get Alec Burleson? He is a pirate killer and fills what we need.
Jason Mackey
12:35
I agree with you. They absolutely can and better.

I like Burleson. But last I saw he was unlikely to be traded.
Bill C
12:35
I see that the Yankees may be willing to part with Jazz Chisholm?  Would he be a fit and what might it take to get him?
Jason Mackey
12:36
Absolutely not.
Bradley
12:36
What is a name you heard, that might not be a name we're hearing a lot of garnering interest from the Bucs?
Jason Mackey
12:36
You've heard 'em, Bradley. Nobody in our business is paid to keep secrets. I do think one that's not talked about enough is Max Kepler.
Mitch
12:36
Any truth to Griffin being the opening day SS?
Jason Mackey
12:37
I don't think they would determine that on Dec. 11.

Here's how I think they'll proceed: He'll have a chance to show them he can do it in spring. Put another way: They're not going to stop him.

If he wins the job -- which could be tied to an extension -- great. If he struggles in spring, that's OK. Still young. Go to Triple-A, and they have back-fill.
Paul
12:37
Do you think there’s a possibly of the Pirates shifting gears toward someone like Kazuma Okamoto? Maybe a bit more risk involved, but shouldn’t completely break the bank and should really help improve the offense, particularly from the 3rd base position.
Jason Mackey
12:38
Yes, I think there's the possibility of that. Not saying it's gonna happen. But always possible considering they've expressed interest and could theoretically line up with him.
Aces High
12:38
What would the return look like in a deal of Jarry to Edmonton? Getting that deal off the books would get ideal and getting a young player in return could help the rebuild. Also having a stud goalie in the minors doesn't hurt either.
Jason Mackey
12:39
Yeah, Murashov looks ready, doesn't he? Sounds important for the Penguins to not retain money, which makes sense. If I were Dubas, I'd want three things: A veteran goalie so I don't have to force Murashov if he struggles; a prospect; and an NHL-caliber forward.
Matt L
12:39
Are the Orioles still interested in Keller? Seems to be every SP name but his showing up in Orioles rumors. What might a return look like from Baltimore?
Jason Mackey
12:41
I don't know how the Orioles feel, Matt. I'm sorry. Could depend on the Pirates' ask. Could just not be public. If you're the Pirates, that return has to involve Westburg, Mayo or Mountcastle, I would think.
Jordan
12:41
Why do I get the feeling that Cherington will strike out on free agents and meaningful trade returns. His history here says he will. Give me a life raft Jason.
Jason Mackey
12:42
Not my job to defend him/them. They've failed at this stuff a bunch. The skepticism is fair. They're also seemingly operating different, so ... I don't know. I can't predict the future.
Vincent Vega
12:42
Hey Jason, with Will Horcoff playing out of his mind at Michigan, is there a chance we see the Penguins do something similar to what the Canadiens did with Cole Caufield, and bring him to Pittsburgh for the stretch run?
Jason Mackey
12:44
Never say never, but that would feel a litle premature based on what we're hearing. Again, maybe it changes if he scored 75 goals. I just find that a little hard to believe. He's been darn good, though.
The Eman
12:44
Lots of new players for the Bucs! Any Deadheads now on the team??
Jason Mackey
12:44
Nope. Still waiting for one other than Mlodzinski, who doesn't really count because he hardly interacts with media.
Dan N
12:45
Hey Jason…just a dumb question but if there is a lockout next year do teams pay a player under the terms of the contract?Would that mean the Pirates would be looking at one year deals ?
Jason Mackey
12:46
No. Terms of contracts would not change during or because of a lockout.
Butch
12:46
how much does BC need to overpay to get a great FA to come to Pittsburgh?  Does 20% of leading offer get it done?
Jason Mackey
12:47
There's no set answer. It depends on the guy. Some that number might not exist. Others, may be less. I can't give you a blanket response, though I'd have to think 20% at least furthers a conversation.
BucsFan
12:47
Hey Jason hope all is well. What are your thoughts of the Buccos taking a shot at Bellinger? Obvious long shot but that’s a type of player that can rome around CF. Hit balls over that damn 21 ft wall.
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