Happ would "definitely consider" returning to Pirates
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}
On the final day of the trade deadline, July 31, the Pittsburgh Pirates acquired J.A. Happ from the Seattle Mariners in a quiet, under-the-radar trade.
What the Pirates received, however, was an impact lefty arm in their rotation.
In 11 starts with Pittsburgh, Happ went 7-2, pitching to a 1.85 ERA with 69 strikeouts in 63 1/3 innings pitched.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}
Clearly, something clicked with Happ in Pittsburgh as he held a 4.64 ERA in 21 starts with the Mariners prior to the trade.
Happ enters this offseason as a free agent, but told Rob Biertempfel of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review that he is interested in coming back to the Pirates.
"It's a team I would definitely consider, absolutely," Happ said. "Whatever happens, happens. I'm happy with where I'm at right now, and we'll see what's down the road."
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}
GM Neal Huntington confirmed the mutual interest.
"There is interest," Huntington said. "It's just a matter of how it all comes together, how it works for him and how it works for us."
This will be Happ's first time through free agency. With a loaded free agent class, it will be interesting if the Pirates get out in front of the market to secure their guy.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}
(h/t HardballTalk)
MORE MLB: Want stories delivered to you? Sign up for our MLB newsletters.