After trading for second baseman Akinori Iwamura, making him their highest-paid player, the Pirates thought Iwamura could fill the void left by Freddy Sanchez, who was traded to the Giants midseason. In 45 games this season, Iwamura is hitting just .172 with 2 home runs, his worst start since coming over to Major League Baseball.
NL sources confirmed that the Pirates have shopped Akinori Iwamura around, but have not found any takers. The Rockies emerged as one possibility, but they signed Kaz Matsui to a minor league deal and will let that play out before pursuing other options. The Astros could also be an option as they are in need of a middle infielder.