Pittsburgh Pirates Rumors: Jacob Stallings Was Nearly a Red Sox

Earlier this week the Pittsburgh Pirates traded catcher Jacob Stallings to the Miami Marlins… but it appears they nearly had a deal in place with another team

This past week was a busy week for the Pittsburgh Pirates. Prior to Major League Baseball’s work stoppage, the Pirates were busy making roster moves that included free agent signings, designating players for assignment, non-tendering players, and a big trade.

The free agent signings including adding veteran right-handed pitcher Jerad Eickoff on a minor league contract. The Pittsburgh Pirates also signed catcher Roberto Peréz to a one-year contract. Pitcher Cody Ponce was released, Steven Brault and Colin Moran were designated for assignment, Chad Kuhl was non-tendered, and the team traded their starting catcher.

Monday evening Jacob Stallings was traded to the Miami Marlins. In exchange for Stallings, the Pirates received pitcher Zach Thompson, who will likely enter the team’s starting rotation for the 2022 season, as well as a pair of prospects.

While the Pirates traded Stallings to the Marlins it appears they came close to sending him to a different destination. According to the Miami Herald, the Pirates also had trade discussions surrounding Stallings with the Boston Red Sox.

The Pirates had an offer for Stallings on the table from the Red Sox. Not only was there an offer form the Red Sox, the Red Sox believed they were going to be able to finalize the deal and land Stallings. In the end, however, the 2021 National League Gold Glove Award wining catcher was traded to the Marlins and is headed to South Beach.

Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald had this to say:

The Boston Red Sox also made an offer for Stallings and at one point thought they had a deal. But the Marlins landed him by including pitching prospect Kyle Nicolas in their bid, along with pitcher Zach Thompson and outfield prospect Connor Scott.

It appears the Pirates are very high on Nicolas, which is understandable. Nicolas has the tools needed to be an elite, dominant reliever at the Major League level. While we will likely never know the answer, it would be curious to know what the Red Sox offered the Pirates for Stallings.