Exclusive: Pirates among teams interested in Giants' third baseman Nunez

SAN FRANCISCO -- The Pirates have expressed interest in Eduardo Nunez, the Giants' starting third baseman, two sources have told DKPittsburghSports.com.

Nunez, 30, is batting .307/.331/.413 with four home runs, 29 RBIs and 19 steals in 300 at-bats. He's also considered an athletic, superior defender also capable of playing the outfield, with Clint Hurdle referring to him during this ongoing series between the two teams as an "exciting player." He doesn't fit the corner infield prototype in that he lacks power, with 38 career home runs, but his slash line has been a consistent .278/.316/.404. In 2016, he was the Twins' representative in the All-Star Game.

Here's his official bio.



Maybe most important in the equation, given that the Pirates would be involved, Nunez is making $4.2 million on a one-year contract and would be an unrestricted free agent after this season. That means any team acquiring him would have to pay only the prorated share of slightly less than $2 million the rest of the way.

Several teams, notably the Red Sox and Indians, also have inquired about Nunez, and the last-place Giants are known to be making him available as part of their plan to retool for 2018.

The Pirates' initial inquiry about Nunez was a month ago, the sources said. It's not known to what extent any talks progressed.

This much is certain: Management would like to get David Freese back into a bench role, as his production has decreased over the course of the season because he was forced to start for Jung Ho Kang. If that happens, the starting lineup and bench both get stronger, as the latter wouldn't need to rely upon the likes of Max Moroff or Phil Gosselin.