The Pirates acquired 2018 2nd overall pick, Joey Bart from the San Francisco Giants in exchange for Minor League reliever Austin Strickland.
Bart, 27, who ranked as high as the #14 prospect in baseball was designated for assignment by the Giants this past weekend after struggling to find any consistency since his MLB debut in 2020.
In 162 career games, Bart has posted a slash line of .219/.288/.335 with 11 home runs. Out of options, he will look to slide in as the backup catcher to Henry Davis as Jason Delay will likely be sent to AAA as depth.
The move makes sense for the Pirates, who are lacking depth options at the catching position. Yasmani Grandal was signed this offseason, but has not been able to come close to any game reps due to plantar fasciitis. Acquiring Bart gives the Pirates three healthy catching options now on the 40-man roster.
Austin Strickland, 21, was the Pirates’ 8th round pick last season out of Kentucky and has yet to pitch in a professional game.
Colin Selby was designated for assignment to make room on the 40-man for Bart. Selby, 26, has a 9.00 ERA in 24 innings at the Major League level.
UPDATE:
Now this all makes a ton of sense.
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