MLB Trade Rumors: Pirates trying to land Cubs’ SP Jeff Samardzija, more

The Major League Baseball non-waiver deadline sits just over two hours away and not only have the Pittsburgh Pirates not made any moves yet, no trades at all have been made as the clock ticks down.

That means there will likely be a fury of activity as the clock approaches 4:00 p.m.  EST.

Jul 24, 2013; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Jeff Samardzija (29) reacts after an error resulted in him allowing two runs in the fifth inning during a baseball game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports

With that being said here’s a look at the latest rumors surrounding the Pittsburgh Pirates.

– Pirates trying to acquire Chicago Cubs’ ace Jeff Samardzija

This is a bit of a shocker but the Bucs have loved Samardzija for some time now. What we do know is that the Cubs will move Samardzija either today or more likely in the offseason and the Pirates will be in the mix.

That being said, it looks like the Cubs want more in return for Samardzija than they even got from the Texas Rangers in return for Matt Garza. But while a trade for Samardzija seems really unlikely right now, considering the Pirates interest in both Cubs’ outfielders David DeJesus and Nate Schierholtz, there is still a small chance that the Bucs come away with a blockbuster, but I wouldn’t count on it.

-Pirates still talking to Twins about Justin Morneau

We have heard the Pirates linked to Morneau for several weeks now. As it stands right now the Pirates, Orioles and two unidentified teams make up the market for Morneau at this time, writes Jon Heyman of CBS Sports.

However a deal doesn’t seem likely as the Twins have not received a substantial offer for the former MVP. An August trade of Morneau is a more likely outcome than a deadline deal, according to Mike Berardino of the St. Paul Pioneer Press.

– Pirates interested in Marlon Byrd

The Pirates are also in on New York Mets’ outfielder Marlon Byrd, who would help the right field position a lot. Byrd is hitting .282 on the season with 17 homers and 60 RBI. On the season Pirates’ right fielders rank last in National League  in batting average (.231), on-base percentage (.294), slugging percentage (.366) and OPS (.660).

Joel Sherman of the New York Post reports the Mets have made counteroffers to clubs and are waiting to see if anyone budges.  The Pirates are believed to be among the teams interested in Byrd, but it appears that New York wants a big haul for Byrd who is 36 years old. I also wouldn’t count on the Bucs landing him either.

– Pirates in on Luke Gregorson

With Jason Grilli sidelined it makes sense for the Bucs to attempt to add another bullpen arm for the stretch run and the Padres’ Luke Gregorson could be the best on the market.

The Pirates and Red Sox are two of the teams sniffing on Gregorson, tweets Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe.

-Pirates cooling on Alex Rios

It looks like the Pirates have cooled off on the idea of adding White Sox right fielder Alex Rios. That’s likely a good idea due to the extremely high asking price.

-Pirates also cooling on Bud Norris

The Pirates are still kicking the tires on Norris, but all signs are pointing to him staying put for the time being as the Astros are asking for a lot for the right-hander.

– Pirates looking at both Schierholtz and DeJesus

As I mentioned before the Pirates are in on both of the available Cubs outfielders.

The Cubs expect to trade either Schierholtz or DeJesus, tweets Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports, and DeJesus might be more likely.  The Pirates are in on both still though.

– Hunter Pence

All is quiet on the Hunter Pence front as I haven’t heard a word about him today.