Pirates acquire slugging OF Bryan De La Cruz among flurry of deals
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The Pirates added some pop to their outfield by swinging a deal with the Marlins for outfielder Bryan De La Cruz, the club announced on Tuesday. Pittsburgh is sending infielder Garret Forrester (PIT No. 18 prospect) and RHP Jun-Seok Shim to Miami in return.
De La Cruz has hit 18 homers this season with a .707 OPS, and he hit 19 homers with 78 RBIs in 153 games in 2023. The 27-year-old is under control for three more years.
He joins a Pirates club trying to make a run for an NL Wild Card spot. Pittsburgh recently designated outfielder Jack Suwinski for assignment, and De La Cruz could slot into right field for them alongside Bryan Reynolds and Michael A. Taylor.
The Pirates stayed busy after acquiring De La Cruz, also trading for utility man Isiah Kiner-Falefa from the Blue Jays. Kiner-Falefa was enjoying a bounce-back season in Toronto, slashing .292/.338/.420 with a 115 OPS+. He saw time at second, third, shortstop and center field with the Blue Jays. Pittsburgh is sending Double-A outfielder Charles McAdoo (PIT No. 29 prospect) back to the Blue Jays.
Bucs deal Martín Pérez
The Pirates mostly bought at the Trade Deadline Tuesday, but they also dealt veteran starter Martín Pérez to the Padres for Minor League pitcher Ronaldys Jimenez.
Pérez got off to a hot start in his first year with the Pirates, but had mostly struggled since the calendar turned to May, resulting in a 2-5 record with a 5.20 ERA over 16 starts, where he amassed 83 innings. The Pirates had some starting pitching depth available since Bailey Falter came off of the injured list Tuesday, and while Pérez was set to make another start for the Pirates Wednesday, they were in a position to make a move now.
Jimenez, 18, signed as an amateur free agent with the Padres in June of 2023. The left-hander has struck out eight in six professional innings in the Dominican Summer League.