The Pittsburgh Pirates made some big moves last week, one being trading two of their star players, Gerrit Cole to the Houston Astros and Andrew McCutchen to the San Francisco Giants. There had been talk of the two being traded for some time now, but it was a major shock to fans to see them both go within days of each other.

Gerrit Cole, a right handed pitcher, was traded to the most recent World Series Champions, the Astros. In exchange for Cole, the Pirates received Joe Musgrove, pitcher, and Colin Moran, infielder. The Pirates also received minor league players Michael Feliz, pitcher, and Jason Martin, outfielder.

In his 2017 season, Cole had an off year posting a 4.26 ERA in 33 starts but struck out an impressive 196 batters in 203 innings. Cole is now joining a star stellar rotation in Houston that is home to Justin Verlander, Dallas Keuchel, and Charlie Morton.

Just a few short days after the news broke about Cole, the Pirates organization announced the trade of the face of their club, outfielder, Andrew McCutchen. In exchange for the 2013 MVP, the Pirates received Kyle Crick, pitcher, prospect Bryan Reynolds, outfielder, and $500k worth of international bonus pool space.

McCutchen had a rough start to the season in 2017, being moved from his spot in center field, to right field. That was until Starling Marte, Pirates outfielder, was suspended for 80 games for PEDs. The busting of Marte led McCutchen back to his home in center field.

In 2017, McCutchen posted a .279 batting average, hitting for 28 home runs and 88 runs batted in. On top of that, McCutchen also had 11 stolen bases and a .363 on base percentage. McCutchen’s glove work was also stellar in 2017, which is exactly what the Giants need after having the worst outfield defense in all of baseball last season.

The 2018 season will be a rebuilding one for the Pirates. Fans are devastated by these trades and are even signing petitions to get the MLB to force the Pirates owner Robert Nutting to sell.

The Pirates do not play the Astros at all in the 2018 regular season, so the only time Cole will face his previous home will be if both teams make it to the World Series. However, the Giants come to Pittsburgh for a three game series in May, and plenty of Cutch fans will be filling the stands to give their hero a proper goodbye.