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 – APRIL 13: A.J. Burnett #34 of the Pittsburgh Pirates is greeted by fans after being introduced pror to the Opening Day game against the Detroit Tigers at PNC Park on April 13, 2015 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA – APRIL 13: A.J. Burnett #34 of the Pittsburgh Pirates is greeted by fans after being introduced pror to the Opening Day game against the Detroit Tigers at PNC Park on April 13, 2015 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images) /

Number 3 – Pirates Acquire A.J. Burnett

Now we’re getting down to the final 3. A.J. Burnett was one of the best Pirate pitchers of the early-to-mid 2010’s. All it took to acquire him from the Yankees was taking on $13 million of the remaining $33 million that was owed to the right hander, and two minor leaguers.

The two minor leaguers who the Yankees received in the deal, Diego Moreno and Exicardo Cayones, played a grand total of 4 games in the Majors for the Yanks. Cayones never even reached the majors.

Burnett on the other hand was excellent for the Pirates. During 2012 and 2013, Burnett posted a 3.41 ERA, 3.17 FIP, and 1.23 WHIP. He was 17th in pitcher fWAR among all qualifying pitchers during this time frame as well. His strikeout total of 389, and K/BB% (15.7%) ranked 15th in the MLB, while his FIP ranked 12th.

Burnett’s love of Pittsburgh even helped the Pirates resign him during the 2014-2015 offseason after struggling with the Phillies, and turning down his player option to stay in Philly. Although he pitched in an injury limited 26 games/164 innings, Burnett’s send off tour included an outstanding 3.18 ERA, 3.36 FIP, a 1.36 WHIP, and the one and only All Star game of Burnett’s career.

The impact of the Burnett trade was not felt just on the field. He helped change the culture in Pittsburgh and was the leader of the pitching staff and the clubhouse while on the North Shore. Burnett became one of the most popular players in franchise history and helped change baseball in Pittsburgh.