In a significant move on Tuesday, the Pittsburgh Pirates finalized a trade with the San Francisco Giants, acquiring catcher Joey Bart in exchange for right-hander Austin Strickland. The deal marks an important transaction for both teams, with Bart bringing his talent behind the plate to Pittsburgh’s roster.
To accommodate Bart’s arrival, Pittsburgh designated right-hander Colin Selby for assignment, thus making room for Bart on the 40-man roster. Selby’s departure signifies the team’s commitment to integrating Bart into their lineup and strengthening their catching corps.
Bart, the second overall pick in the 2018 MLB Draft, joins the Pirates after being designated for assignment by the Giants on Sunday. Despite facing challenges during his tenure with the Giants, Bart has demonstrated his potential, boasting a batting average of .219 with 11 home runs and 38 RBIs in 162 regular-season games across four seasons. Last year, the 27-year-old appeared in 30 games for San Francisco, hitting .207 with five RBIs.
In exchange for Bart, the Giants receive right-hander Austin Strickland, a promising 21-year-old pitcher who has yet to make his debut at any level. Strickland, an eighth-round pick by the Pirates in the 2023 MLB Draft, represents a valuable asset for the Giants as they look toward the future and seek to strengthen their pitching depth.
Additionally, Pittsburgh’s decision to designate Colin Selby for assignment comes after the 26-year-old right-hander posted a 9.00 ERA in 21 appearances, including five starts, for the Pirates last season. With Selby’s future uncertain, the Pirates are poised to explore alternative options to bolster their pitching staff as they progress through the 2024 season.
Overall, the trade signifies a strategic move by both the Pirates and the Giants as they aim to address their respective needs and enhance their roster composition for the challenges ahead in the MLB season.
