thegardenisland
In a flurry of deadline activity, the Pittsburgh Pirates overhauled their bullpen on Monday by securing three right-handed relievers: Luke Weaver from the New York Mets, Kauai native Kirby Yates from the Los Angeles Angels, and Lake Bachar from the Miami Marlins. Additionally, the team traded right-hander Hunter Stratton to the San Diego Padres in exchange for right-hander Andrew Moore, who was subsequently assigned to Triple-A Indianapolis.
The Pirates entered the week sitting just 3.5 games out of the National League wild-card race, prompting the front office to address a clear weakness. Their bullpen has struggled all season, ranking 22nd in the majors with a 4.34 ERA and converting only 22 of 42 save opportunities.
To acquire Weaver, Pittsburgh sent minor league infielder Sammy Stafura to the Mets, while the Angels received minor league right-hander Kyle Robinson in exchange for Yates. The Bachar deal was not yet finalized, but multiple reports indicated that the Pirates would send three prospects to Miami: right-hander Brandan Bidois, outfielder Brian Sanchez, and shortstop Hyun Seung Lee.
Key Analysis
Weaver, 32, has been exceptional this season, posting a 2-1 record with a 1.84 ERA in 42 relief appearances for the Mets. After spending the previous three seasons with the New York Yankees, he signed a two-year, $22 million free-agent contract with the Mets in December. Weaver transitioned to the bullpen in 2024 after re-signing with the Yankees, where he compiled an 11-7 record with 12 saves and a 3.21 ERA across 126 relief outings over two seasons. Prior to that, he was a starter as recently as 2023, pitching for the Cincinnati Reds and Seattle Mariners before being claimed off waivers by the Yankees late in that campaign.
Yates, 39, brings a wealth of experience as a two-time All-Star (2019 and 2024) with 480 innings pitched over 503 career games in 12 major league seasons. The Pirates will be his eighth MLB team. With the Angels this year, he recorded a 0-5 mark with three saves and a 3.95 ERA. He previously notched 56 saves in four seasons with the Padres and 33 saves in one year with the Rangers.
Bachar, 31, has shown promise in his three seasons with the Marlins, amassing a 9-5 record with five saves and a 3.88 ERA, along with 147 strikeouts against just 55 walks. His addition adds depth to a bullpen that has clearly underperformed, and the Pirates are hoping these new arms can provide stability as they push for a playoff spot.
Originally reported by thegardenisland.