Report: Pirates willing to move Tabata, Mazzaro, and Snider

Today Rob Biertempfel of the Pittsburgh Tribune Review reported that the Pirates were willing to listen to trade offers for Jose Tabata, Travis Snider, and Vin Mazzaro.

Tabata is still young at 25, a capable defender at LF and RF, and does not have major platoon splits. He could appeal to some teams as a potential leadoff hitter or to others as a 4th outfielder. Last year he posted a solid overall batting line, and played an integral role for the Pirates down the stretch when Starling Marte was injured. If he can continue to produce like he did in 2013 and stay healthy, his contract could be a bargain. However Tabata has struggled with injuries and consistency throughout his MLB career. Tabata is out of options and cannot be sent to the minor leagues without being exposed to waivers.

Tabata’s career stats(fWAR):

Tabata’s Contractual Status:

If Tabata is traded, Travis Snider would get the bulk of the playing time in RF. Snider has had limited success in the major leagues, but the Pirates have liked his tools, and what they’ve seen from him when healthy. He has totally recovered from his toe injury, and has impressed the Pirates this spring. Perhaps other team’s scouts agree, and Snider has some trade value? If Tabata isn’t traded, the. Pirates could move Snider. Snider is slated to make $1.2 mil in 2014, and is out of options. If the Pirates move Tabata or Snider, Chris Dickerson or Jaff Decker would begin the season in Pittsburgh…until Gregory Polanco makes PNC Park his home.

Snider’s career MLB/MILB stats(fWAR):

Vin Mazzaro seems to be the odd man out of the Pirates “Shark Tank” bullpen. He is out of options, and would have to pass through waivers to be sent to the minor leagues. He would certainly be claimed in such a scenario, so the Pirates will attempt to gain something in return for the righty. Mazzaro will make $950k in 2014. Mazzaro did not have much MLB success before coming to Pittsburgh. Last season he used his two-seam fastball to induce groundballs at a high rate, and ended up pitching 73.2 innings with a 2.81 ERA for the Pirates.

Mazzaro’s career MLB stats(fWAR):