The Pittsburgh Pirates reportedly are engaged in talks about signing free-agent first baseman James Loney. Loney was thought to be the top target all along for Pittsburgh at first base, however there seems to be some difference on the financial framework of a potential deal.
While Loney’s representatives are said to be looking for a three-year deal worth as much as $30 million, the Pirates will likely be looking for something less than that figure.
Loney hit .299/.348/.430 with 13 homers and would bring Gold Glove caliber defense to the Pirates infield. The Tampa Bay Rays are still interested in bringing Loney back, but seem content to let the market for Loney play itself out. That move may backfire.
Rays manager Joe Maddon reached out to Loney making a personal pitch with a phone call.
“He was very non-committal in his conversation,” Maddon said. “He was very nice, very cordial, very good. But I think he’s in a position right now to probably go after the best contract he’s ever going to get. So do I blame him? No. Do I want him back? Yes.
