Pittsburgh Pirates Rumors: Bucs reportedly in on pitcher Jason Hammel

Sep 20, 2013; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Jason Hammel (39) throws a pitch against the Tampa Bay Rays during the first inning at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Still looking for another starting pitcher while the organization is being strung along by A.J. Burnett, the Pittsburgh Pirates could be turning their attention in another direction.

After confirming yesterday that they were out of the running on former Cincinnati Reds starter Bronson Arroyo, the Bucs now appear to be interested in free agent Jason Hammel.

According to FOX Sports’ Jon Morosi, the Pirates are one of four teams that are in on the 31-year-old right-handed starter.

The Cubs, Royals and Braves are also reportedly in the running for Hammel, who is coming off a very disappointing 2013 campaign with the Baltimore Orioles, in which he posted a disappointing 4.97 ERA, 1.46 WHIP and 6.2 K/9 in 139.1 innings pitched.

He was fairly solid in 2012 when he posted a 3.43 ERA, 1.24 WHIP and 8.6 K/9 in 118 innings, helping lead Baltimore to the postseason.

The chances of the Pirates landing Hammel could be slim though as he is said to be looking for a three- or four-year deal, something I can’t see the Pirates doing as they are more likely to invest only one or two years in a free agent at this point.

But with the market being very thin in terms of starting pitching at the moment, Hammel being linked to the Pirates makes a lot of sense.

Keep checking back to City of Champions Sports often as we will keep you updated on all of the wheelings and dealings of the Pirates as the Winter Meetings continue.