Travis Sawchik reports that the Pittsburgh Pirates have checked on free agent shortstop Rafael Furcal, according to his agent.
The Pirates are one of eight teams to check in on free agent SS Rafael Furcal, according to his agent
— Travis Sawchik (@Travis_Sawchik) November 25, 2013
Furcal last played in the majors in 2012, after missing the 2013 season with Tommy John surgery. He’s had some mixed results defensively, with some good years and some poor years. Furcal is 36 years old, and his better offensive years are behind him. In his last two seasons he had an OPS under .700. He wouldn’t make sense as a starter, since Jordy Mercer looks like a better all-around option. He might be an option off the bench, although I think a strong defensive shortstop like Clint Barmes would make more sense as a backup to Mercer.
