Trade Profiles: Bryan LaHair

Yesterday I did another Chicago Cub trade target for the Pirates in the person of Ryan Dempster. Today I'm doing one on Cubs breakout 1B/OF Bryan LaHair. LaHair is a feel good story. 29 years of age, been in the minors for years, and is now having a breakout season. Makes you think of Bobby Scales from a few years back, also of the Cubs. LaHair however is a very serviceable player that the Pirates should take a good look at in the few weeks remaining until the trade deadline.

LaHair plays a position of need, 1B and a little OF, and sports a .281 Avg. 14 HRs 31 RBI and OPS of .869. He also has a low salary being below $500,000. I'm not sure how many years of team control he has left being this is his first full year in the majors. The only real thing that scares me a bit is that he's 29 and just showing this ability now. It's like a Steve Pearce situation but LaHair is producing. I just don't know if he can keep it up just like Pearce had flashes but never kept it up.

If the Pirates were to trade for LaHair I wouldn't be upset. It'd be more neutral. He can produce with the bat but doesn't scare anyone and he'd come at a cheap price because the Cubs need an everyday job for stud Anthony Rizzo. Do I see the Pirates making this move? No I don't. I think it's a little too safe for what rumors say they want to do. Again, I wouldn't be upset but I wouldn't jump for joy if we added LaHair.