Peter Gammons of Gammons Daily reports that the Pittsburgh Pirates might hold onto infielder Josh Harrison for at least the first few months of the season.
While nobody questions the seriousness of Harrison’s trade request, the Pirates might not pull the trigger on a deal still.
Despite this, the Mets, Yankees, and others are under the belief that the Pirates have to trade the 30-year old.
The Mets had been known to have interest in acquiring him, but were hesitant to include Brandon Nimmo in a deal for the second baseman.
The likelihood is that the Pirates are not liking the offers they have received for him and are likely either pulling back on the dealing him as a result, or they using this news as leverage to pressure teams to make stronger offers.
The two-time All-Star hit .272/.339/.432 this past season with a career-high of 16 home runs with 47 RBIs that gave him a wRC+ of 104. For his career, he has hit a similar .281/.321/.414 with a wRC+ of 101.
At second base, Harrison recorded six defensive runs saved last season and has 22 for his career at the keystone. He also recorded two defensive runs saved at third base last season and has 19 for his career.
Harrison comes with up to three years of control with team options in 2019 and 2020. He will make $10 million this season followed by $10.5 million in 2019 and $11.5 million in 2020 if those options were to be picked up.
