The Pirates began the offseason with 19 arbitration-eligible players, but they thinned that group down to nine entering Friday’s deadline. They previously agreed to three arbitration-avoiding deals prior to the non-tender deadline: reliever Michael Feliz for $1 million, shortstop Erik González for $1.225 million and Jameson Taillon for $2.25 million. The Pirates’ last arbitration hearing was in 2017, when they won their case against former closer Tony Watson. Here’s a rundown of the players who avoided arbitration on Friday and where they might fit with the Pirates, both the rest of the offseason and moving forward. Joe Musgrove Musgrove might be the Pirates’ most-watched player between now and Opening Day, as he’s considered a likely trade candidate given his track record and the belief that he still possesses untapped potential. He is probably Pittsburgh’s most realistic trade chip now that Josh Bell is with Washington, because he could bring back the kind of interesting young talent the Bucs are seeking this offseason, and he was nearly dealt to Toronto before last year’s Trade Deadline.