Report: Pirates getting calls on Cabrera, would rather deal Dickerson

The Pittsburgh Pirates are fielding plenty of calls on their outfielders, but not the one they'd apparently prefer to trade.

Multiple contending teams are showing interest in acquiring veteran outfielder Melky Cabrera, major-league sources told Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. But if the Pirates have their way, they'll hang on to Cabrera, as they'd reportedly prefer to deal Corey Dickerson.

Trading Dickerson might prove difficult at the moment. The 30-year-old pending free agent has played in just six games this season because of a shoulder injury and only returned to action this past weekend. Despite his track record as an All-Star and Gold Glove outfielder, Dickerson may need to show he's returned to that level before the Pirates can move what's left of his $8.5-million salary.

Cabrera, by contrast, is likely very appealing to contenders as a productive outfield option on a cheap salary ($1.15 million). The 15-year veteran made the Pirates out of spring training and has since put together a solid comeback season, slashing .335/.375/.462 (123 OPS+) with four homers and 22 RBIs through 185 plate appearances.

The Pirates' desire to move Dickerson or possibly Cabrera appears to stem from their glut of outfielders. Rookie Bryan Reynolds has cemented a starting job with a breakout season at the plate in the aftermath of Dickerson's injury.

Pittsburgh sits 7 1/2 games out of first place in what's become a very competitive NL Central. The team has yet to decide whether it will buy or sell at the deadline, but would like to make one last push towards contention before picking a direction, Rosenthal reports.