Pittsburgh Pirates Make Their First Trade Of The Offseason

The Pittsburgh Pirates’ 2016-2017 offseason is officially underway. And today the Pirates made their first trade of the offfseason. Albeit, it was a minor deal.

The offseason is officially underway! On Tuesday afternoon the Pittsburgh Pirates made their first trade of the offseason. It came when the Bucs swung a minor deal with the Toronto Blue Jays.

On Tuesday afternoon the Pittsburgh Pirates acquire Brady Dragmire from the Toronto Blue Jays in exchange for cash consideration. Dragmire was designated for assignment by Toronto last week. To make room for Dragmire on the 40-man roster, the Pirates have designated left-handed reliever Phil Coke for assignment.

Brady Dragmire is a right-handed relief pitcher. He was a 17th round pick by the Toronto Blue Jays in 2011. And the 23-year-old Dragmire has never pitched above Double-A.

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Last season Dragmire pitched at Double-A New Hampshire for Toronto. At Double-A he recorded 72 innings, he posted a 4.38 ERA, and he also generated an outstanding 63.6 percent ground ball rate.

2016 was the worst season of Dragmire’s professional career. Even with a poor 2016 season Brady Dragmire’s professional stats remain strong. In 298 career Minor League innings pitched he has allowed 291 hits, he has struck out 212 batters, he has allowed just 19 home runs, and he owns a 1.23 WHIP.

Throughout his Minor League career Dragmire has also had good control. In his 298 career innings pitched he is averaging just 2.2 BB/9. This good control and great ground ball rate is probably what makes him appealing to the Pirates. I’m sure Neal Huntington also likes the fact that he is just 23-years-old.

Dragmire throws a low 90s sinker. This sinker is his best pitch and helps generate all of those ground balls. Dragmire also throws a change up and a slider.

I would expect Brady Dragmire to begin the 2017 season with Triple-A Indianapolis. However, it is definitely possible we see him in Pittsburgh at some point in 2017. Dragmire is an intriguing bullpen depth option for 2017 and beyond.