Pittsburgh Pirates News: Team Acquires Infielder From Arizona

Thursday evening the Pittsburgh Pirates swung a trade that saw them acquired infielder Josh VanMeter from the Arizona Diamondbacks

With a week to go until Opening Day in St. Louis the Pittsburgh Pirates have made a trade. Contrary to what some reporting would make you believe, the trade did not involve outfielder Bryan Reynolds.

This trade is potentially a head scratching one, we’ll get to that momentarily, however, as the Pittsburgh Pirates have acquired infielder Josh VanMeter form the Arizona Diamondbacks. This move comes just a few days after the Diamondbacks designated VanMeter for assignment.

To acquire VanMeter the Pirates have sent right-handed pitcher Listher Sosa to the Diamondbacks. The 20-year-old Sosa posted a 4.61 ERA in 27.1 innings pitched in 10 outings in the Complex League last season.

VanMeter is 27-years-old and can play all over the field. Last season he made appearances at first base, second base, third base, left field, and right field. The left-handed hitter has 649 MLB plate appearances in 233 games played. He is a lifetime .212/.300/.364 hitter to go with a wRC+ of 75 and a 10.6% walk rate.

Due to being out of minor league options it appears than VanMeter would be in line for an Opening Day roster spot. This could potentially take a roster spot away from someone such as Diego Castillo or Cole Tucker, which would be a shame with the spring each of them have had.

That said, it is also a possibility that VanMeter is insurance in the case of Ke’Bryan Hayes starting the season on the injured list. Hayes has not played in over a week after rolling his ankle. As of Thursday he was still only taking ground balls and running the bases at 50%, not good when Opening Day is a week away.

VanMeter was immediately added to the 40-man roster. To make room for VanMeter on the 40-man roster the Pittsburgh Pirates designated outfielder Jared Oliva for assignment. This move keeps the 40-man roster full.