Report: Jays, Pirates explored Musgrove-Kirk trade during summer

The Pittsburgh Pirates and Toronto Blue Jays discussed a deal prior to the trade deadline in August that right-hander Joe Musgrove would have headlined, according to Shi Davidi of Sportsnet.

The Pirates reportedly wanted Toronto's top catching prospect Alejandro Kirk as the centerpiece in their return.

The Blue Jays ended up acquiring left-hander Robbie Ray and right-handers Taijuan Walker and Ross Stripling at the deadline without trading any high-ranked prospects.

Musgrove owns a 4.33 ERA over five seasons with the Pirates. The 28-year-old posted a career-high 12.5 K/9 in 2020.

Meanwhile, Kirk slashed .375/.400/.583 with one home run in nine games for the Blue Jays last season. The 22-year-old is the organization's No. 6-ranked prospect, according to MLB Pipeline.