Pirates Complete Ike Davis Trade

Jun 12, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates first baseman Ike Davis (15) celebrates with teammates after scoring a run against the Chicago Cubs during the fourth inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

The Pittsburgh Pirates have announced the player to be named later in the Ike Davis trade with the New York Mets is Blake Taylor.  The Bucs selected the left-handed Taylor with their second . pick  in last years amateur draft.

We kept hearing the player would be a 2013 draftee, but also had heard the Mets really wanted Brandon Cumpton.  The delay in the trade pointed all along to it being the 2013 draftee which made more sense.  All along Taylor seemed to be the player that would go to New York after hearing how much the Mets were asking for Davis.  The 6’3″ Taylor signed on June 14th so the year is up and away he goes to New York.  It’s difficult to say what will become of Taylor, but he seems worth more than Davis who looks awfully similar to a platoon player at first base.

The Pirates had sent Zack Thornton to the Mets on April 18th as the first part of the deal.  Taylor had been working in extended spring training this year after he pitched 21 innings in the Gulf Coast League last season.  The southpaw had struck out thirteen and walked nine.  Over those 21 innings, he had allowed just seven hits.

So in total, a minor-league reliever and an 18-year old prospect for Ike Davis is the deal.  The impact won’t likely be remembered unless Taylor learns a third pitch, and it sure seems like too much for our blood.  But the reality is this.  The Pirates desperately needed a first base option.  Unfortunately, Davis has done very little since being acquired by the club.  So until Davis picks it up, the team still needs an answer at first base.

Maybe Josh Harrison can grab a first baseman’s glove?