Pirates rumors: Pittsburgh interested in Tigers RHP Rick Porcello

While the Pirates are interested in Tigers right-hander Rick Porcello, Detroit doesn’t want to surrender the former top prospect for a straight-up trade involving Pittsburgh’s closer Joel Hanrahan, reports Rob Biertempfel of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review:

#Pirates are interested in Porcello, but Tigers don't want straight-up swap for Hanrahan

— Rob Biertempfel (@BiertempfelTrib) December 19, 2012

The Pirates are reportedly pushing hard to trade Hanrahan this offseason. While the right-hander has been productive since Pittsburgh acquired him from the Washington Nationals, the club isn’t excited about paying him the estimated $7 million he’s set to receive through arbitration. The Pirates would be comfortable sliding late-inning arm Jason Grilli, who recently re-signed with the club, into their closer’s role.

In exchange for Hanrahan the Pirates are seeking starting pitching, something Detroit can offer.

After the Tigers re-signed Anibal Sanchez they were left with six viable starters to fill five spots. They’ve since taken calls on Porcello and Drew Smyly, and they could trade one in order to fill an area of need on their team.

Beyond the Tigers, the Los Angeles Dodgers have also expressed interest in Hanrahan. The Dodgers can offer starting pitching, as they’re reportedly shopping veteran arms Chris Capuano and Aaron Harang.