Pirates Acquire Marlon Byrd, John Buck, Cash for Dilson Herrera, PTBNL

The Pittsburgh Pirates have acquired OF Marlon Byrd and C John Buck. The Mets will also toss in some cash which is estimated to be $250K.

The Bucs will give up minor leaguer Dilson Herrera and a player to be named later who is believed to be of some significance.  Enough to make fans say “ouch,” according to GM Neal Huntington.

In the month of August, Byrd has 26 hits, eight doubles, one triple, four homers.  In comparison, Andrew McCutchen has 33 hits, four doubles, one triple, two homers.  The final outfielder the Bucs will be trotting out until Starling Marte returns is Jose Tabata who in August has 20 hits, four doubles, one triple, and two bombs.

Earlier today, we wrote about Byrd and Buck. Here it is.

Aug 20, 2013; New York, NY, USA; New York Mets right fielder Marlon Byrd (6) is congratulated in the dugout after hitting a two-run home run against the Atlanta Braves during the sixth inning of a game at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

New York Mets have quite a player in Marlon Byrd.  The slugger has 21 homers and has driven in 71 runs.  But the team that just lost Matt Harvey, could be trying to make a move with their outfielder.  Byrd has been claimed by an unknown team according to a recent report.

The only way that we would see it not being the Pirates would be the club was blocked by a team ahead of them in the standings.  (Maybe the Reds, but we doubt they are that smart–kidding) Just look at the production and it’s easy to tell that teams would be crazy to not give Byrd a shot–right now.

The price is a very helpful part of this news too.  It would make sense for the Bucs and we all know how the ears perk up when Pirates Chairman of the Board Bob Nutting hears about a deal.   The price is definently right, as he only is signed for $700K this year.  So only a small rental fee would be needed for the services of Byrd  who is a free agent after the season.  One would think a number of teams would be interested, likie the Reds, Nats, and Braves although his next drug suspension could likely be his last in MLB.

Byrd could be the right fielder the Bucs have lacked this season.  He could hit off the bench if Jose Tabata continues to produce as well.  The numbers tell the story for Byrd with a .285/.330/.518

If the Mets are having a fire sale, we would be interested in seeing how much John Buck would cost too.  The Mets catcher was really hot at the beginning of the season when he hit nine homers in April.  But for the month of August, Buck is hitting just .170 and his average and OPS have dropped considerably.  However, if the Bucs think Buck would fit better than Shoppach, it wouldn’t hurt to ask.