Pirates Rumors: Hanrahan Doesn't Expect to be Traded

Pittsburgh Pirates closer Joel Hanrahan told Ron Cook of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette that he doesn’t expect to be traded away this summer. Hanrahan told Cook that he thinks the Pirates are going to keep him "so we can win a championship together".

Hanrahan has been fantastic for the Pirates since he was acquired from the Washington Nationals along with Lastings Milledge for Sean Burnett and Nyjer Morgan in 2009.

Over Hanrahan’s four seasons with the Pirates, the 30-year-old has compiled an ERA and WHIP of 2.58 and 1.174 with 10.6 SO/9 and 3.5 BB/9.

Last season Hanrahan took over as the Pirates closer. The right-hander registered 40 saves and an ERA and WHIP of 1.83 and 1.049. So far this season Hanrahan has totaled 15 saves and an ERA and WHIP of 2.86 and 1.182.

Cook notes that Hanrahan is making $4.1 million this year and will be eligible for salary arbitration once again next season. Hanrahan will then be eligible to become a free agent following the 2013 season.

While Hanrahan believes trade rumors are "nice because that means someone wants you", he doesn’t "spend a lot of time thinking about them". For his part, Hanrahan doesn’t expect to be dealt this summer.