Pirates Make Two Trades with NL West teams on Tuesday

The Pittsburgh Pirates were very active on their first off day by acquiring two new players from NL West teams. First, the Pirates sent left handed pitcher Jackson Wolf to the San Diego Padres in exchange for minor league infielder Kervin Pichardo. The other trade was a little more significant as the Pirates acquired catcher, Joey Bart, from the San Francisco Giants in exchange for right handed pitcher Austin Strickland. Let’s examine these two trades for the Pirates.

Jackson Wolf to San Diego

Jackson Wolf was acquired at the 2023 trade deadline in a trade that sent Rich Hill and Ji-Man Choi to San Diego for Wolf, Alfonso Rivas, and Estuar Suero. Wolf was the centerpiece of this deal but is now heading back to the team that traded him. He was recently designated for assignment to make room for Hunter Stratton on the 40-man roster. 

Wolf did not pitch a lot in the Pirates organization, but when he did, he was solid. In eight games started, Wolf had an 0-4 record with an earned run average of 4.25 in 36 innings pitched and struck out 30 batters. He also had a 1.17 WHIP and a 4.41 FIP. He was solid with Altoona, but he just did not have a spot on the Pirates roster. 

In return, the Pirates got minor league infielder, Kervin Pichardo. Pichardo is 22 years old and played with San Diego's A+ and AA affiliates in 2023. In 85 games played, Pichardo had a batting average of .257 with 10 home runs and 43 runs batted in. He also had an OPS of .772, which included an on-base percentage of .370 and a slugging percentage of .402. He added eight stolen bases as well. He will be sent to Greensboro, the Pirates A+ affiliate.

Pirates Acquire Joey Bart

The San Francisco Giants designated Joey Bart for assignment over the weekend and within two days, the Pirates made a trade to acquire him. In exchange, the Pirates sent right handed pitcher, Austin Strickland, to the Giants. To make room on the 40-man roster, the Pirates designated right handed pitcher Colin Selby for assignment.

Bart is a former second overall pick in the 2018 draft. This move was surprising to a lot of fans, but quickly after the trade, Alex Stumpf announced that Jason Delay would be going to the injured list. With Grandal still injured, Bart will be the backup catcher for the time being. Last season was a struggle for Bart, but in 30 games played, he had a batting average of .207 with five doubles and five runs batted in. He also had an OPS of .527, which included an on-base percentage of .263 and a slugging percentage of .264. He did have a solid spring, so let’s hope Bart can figure things out with the Pirates.

Austin Strickland was the Pirates eighth round draft pick in the 2023 Major League Draft. He has not made an appearance in the Pirates minor leagues, but he will have his first professional outing in the Giants organization. 

Bart will probably be activated for tonight's game against the Nationals as Henry Davis is the only healthy catcher on the roster. Expect Jason Delay to be put on the injured list as the corresponding move.