Pittsburgh Pirates: Top 10 Trades Of The 2010s

PITTSBURGH, PA - JULY 31: Francisco Cervelli #29 of the Pittsburgh Pirates hits a two-run home run in the third inning against the Chicago Cubs at PNC Park on July 31, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - JULY 31: Francisco Cervelli #29 of the Pittsburgh Pirates hits a two-run home run in the third inning against the Chicago Cubs at PNC Park on July 31, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /
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PITTSBURGH, PA – SEPTEM BER 13: Joe Blanton #55 of the Pittsburgh Pirates pitches in the third inning during the game against the Milwaukee Brewers at PNC Park on September 13, 2015 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA – SEPTEM BER 13: Joe Blanton #55 of the Pittsburgh Pirates pitches in the third inning during the game against the Milwaukee Brewers at PNC Park on September 13, 2015 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /

Number 9 – Pirates Acquire Joe Blanton

Veteran right hander Joe Blanton was having a nice bounce back season in 2015 with the Kansas City Royals. However, they apparently viewed him as a spare piece they did not need. As a result, Blanton was designated for assignment by the Royals on July 28.

Due to the DFA, all the Pirates had to give up for Blanton was cash. This turned out to be one of the best trades the Pirates made during their 2015 run that ended in 98 victories. Blanton pitched in 34.1 innings in 21 games, and posted a 1.57 ERA, 2.11 FIP, and 1.02 WHIP. He gave up just 1 home run, while walking just 9 batters. He had struck out 39 batters in the short amount of time.

Because of his performance, he was thrown into more high-leverage situations down the stretch by then manager Clint Hurdle. This was a move that would pay off for Hurdle. By the end of the season the Pirates had one of the most dominant bullpens in team history, and one that consisted of 7 reliable relievers. Blanton was a big part of this bullpen and team.