staradvertiser
The Pittsburgh Pirates executed a significant overhaul of their relief corps on Monday, finalizing three separate trades to bring in right-handed pitchers Luke Weaver, Kirby Yates, and Lake Bachar. The deals, completed just ahead of the trade deadline, were part of a broader effort to address the team's most glaring weakness this season.
In a fourth transaction, the Pirates sent right-hander Hunter Stratton to the San Diego Padres in exchange for right-hander Andrew Moore, who has been assigned to Triple-A Indianapolis. The flurry of moves comes as Pittsburgh sits just 3.5 games out of a National League wild-card spot, according to the team's calculations.
Pittsburgh's bullpen has struggled throughout the season, ranking 22nd in the majors with a 4.34 ERA and converting only 22 of 42 save opportunities. The front office moved quickly to shore up the relief unit, which has been a persistent issue for the club.
To acquire Weaver, the Pirates sent minor league infielder Sammy Stafura to the New York Mets. Weaver, 32, has been outstanding this season, posting a 2-1 record with a 1.84 ERA in 42 relief appearances for the Mets. He previously spent three years with the New York Yankees, where he transitioned to a bullpen role in 2024 after re-signing with the team. Over the last two seasons, he compiled an 11-7 record with 12 saves and a 3.21 ERA in 126 relief outings.
Yates, a 39-year-old two-time All-Star, arrives from the Los Angeles Angels in exchange for minor league right-hander Kyle Robinson. Yates has appeared in 503 career games across 12 big league seasons, logging 480 innings. He will be joining his eighth MLB team. With the Angels this year, he went 0-5 with three saves and a 3.95 ERA. Earlier in his career, he recorded 56 saves over four seasons with the San Diego Padres and 33 saves in one year with the Texas Rangers.
The third acquisition, Lake Bachar, comes from the Miami Marlins, though the deal was not yet officially announced. Reports indicate the Pirates will send three prospects to Miami: right-hander Brandan Bidois, outfielder Brian Sanchez, and shortstop Hyun Seung Lee. Bachar, 31, has shown promise in three seasons with the Marlins, amassing a 9-5 record with five saves and a 3.88 ERA, along with 147 strikeouts against 55 walks.
Key Analysis
The Pirates' aggressive approach to the trade deadline signals a clear commitment to contending for a playoff spot. By adding three experienced arms, they have significantly upgraded a bullpen that has been a liability. Weaver's elite performance this season makes him a potential high-leverage option, while Yates brings veteran leadership and a track record of closing games. Bachar adds depth and strikeout ability, giving the Pirates multiple new options in late-inning situations. The cost—several minor league prospects—reflects the organization's willingness to sacrifice future assets for immediate help. With the division race tight, these moves could prove pivotal in Pittsburgh's push for October baseball.
Originally reported by staradvertiser.