Bearcats in the Big Leagues: Josh Harrison, Trade Target

Josh Harrison

Harrison is a player who can fill in at multiple position, hit for a decent average with a little pop and provide some speed on the base paths. He is also a two-time All-Star, making his second team this season. That’s the type of player that any contending squad would benefit from adding. As the MLB trade deadline looms and the Pirates face the hard reality that they have to look past this season, Harrison’s name has cropped up in trade rumors. The Red Sox, who have a massive crater left at third base left by Pablo Sandoval and his disaster of a contract, are in the market for a third baseman. Harrison can certainly play that post and is on the radar for Boston’s beloved baseball franchise. He has produced his most power (19 career home runs) when playing the hot corner and has slashed .288/.319/.444 in 878 career plate appearances when playing third.

One thing that may bring pause for the Red Sox or any other team taking a look at Harrison, other than the large prospect cost it would take, is the ice cold July he has endured. That continued on Monday when Harrison went 1-for-5 in a 4-2 win over the Brewers.

Ian Happ

There is no universe in which Happ will be traded, but his strong play may make some others around him tradeable, even if the Cubs already made a big splash with a deal for Jose Quintana. Happ had another multi-hit game on Monday, banging out two knocks, including a double in four plate appearances. He has had two hits in back-to-back games and four times this month. Happ has been dropped in the lineup a bit of late, batting sixth in three of the last four games. He is batting an even .500 in 17 plate appearances at that part of the order, with two of his 13 home runs.

Connor Walsh

An exceptional run of pitching continued for Walsh on Monday as he tossed a perfect inning of relief for the Birmingham Barons. He struck out two batters, marking the ninth time in the last 10 games that he has had at least a pair of punchouts. In all, he has K’d 48 batters in 39 ²⁄₃ innings this season, while whittling his ERA down to 3.40 in 25 appearances.

Ryan Atkinson

It was another off day between starts for Atkinson.