This trade looks like a precursor to another acquisition, as the Pirates' rotation is once again incomplete. They have four starters in Gerrit Cole, Francisco Liriano, Niese and Jeff Locke, but they have been linked to a number of free-agent pitchers, from reclamation projects like Justin Masterson to a second-tier starter in Scott Kazmir.
The Bucs also cleared up salary to make a bigger acquisition, if that is indeed their plan. Morton was due to make $8 million next year, plus most likely a $1 million buyout of his $9.