BRADENTON, Fla. -- After publicly requesting a trade if the team does not aim to contend the next two years, Josh Harrison reported to Pirates camp on Sunday morning.
Harrison stood by his previous statement, which was released to The Athletic after the Pirates traded Gerrit Cole and Andrew McCutchen. That left Harrison, 30, as Pittsburgh's longest-tenured player. At the time, Harrison said, "If indeed the team does not expect to contend this year or next, perhaps it would be better for all involved that I also am traded."
Harrison said he is not surprised to still be with the Pirates, the thought of not reporting to Spring Training never crossed his mind, and the uncertainty surrounding his future will not affect his preparation for the season.