The Pittsburgh Pirates have shown interest in at least one of their former players, thus far, starting pitcher A.J. Burnett. The Pirates players lobbied for Burnett's return. But, with Burnett's 2015 option year looming, the Pirates have cooled on the idea of Burnett, according to many reports. Though they have moved on from Burnett, they are interested in another former Pirates player currently on the Phillies.
Jon Morosi of Fox Sports says that Byrd and Bastardo are of interest to the Pirates:
Pirates showing interest in Phillies LHP Antonio Bastardo and OF Marlon Byrd, sources say. @FOXSports1
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) July 29, 2014
The Pirates picked up Byrd from the Mets last trade deadline along with catcher John Buck in exchange for second baseman Dilson Herrera and pitcher Vic Black. Herrera is considered the Mets' number eight prospect on MLB.com's rankings. Black has been a decent reliever for the Mets thus far.
With Bastardo in the mix too, perhaps the Phillies could get a better return than the Mets. The Pirates top position player prospect, switch-hitting outfielder Josh Bell, could be a stretch for the two. The Pirates are set in the outfield with Polanco, Marte, and McCutchen, so Bell is their top trade chip.
MLB.com describes Bell:
Bell is a gifted hitter from both sides of the plate, with the ability to hit for power and average. His already impressive raw power is expected to get even better as he develops as a hitter and some of his doubles start going over the fence. Bell has a mature approach at the plate and a good understanding of the strike zone.
While it seems like a lot for Byrd and Bastardo, the Pirates will likely move Bell, so stay tuned.
