Pittsburgh Pirates History: Revisiting the 2008 Trade with the Yankees

In return, the Bucs received multiple players who would stick around for a bit.  Coming back in the deal were pitchers Ross Ohlendorf, Daniel McCutchen, and Jeff Karstens. Meanwhile, the primary prospect in the deal was a highly touted outfield prospect, Jose Tabata.

Yes, the player who would become known as “Neck Lips” due to his tattoo.  The player who would break up Max Scherzer’s perfect game bid in 2015.  However, he is also the player who would represent many of Huntington’s failed moves.  Not only did he acquire him as the main piece of a deal, but he also would give him a 6-year contract extension worth north of $30 million.

All in all the trade was a bust for the Pittsburgh Pirates.  Daniel McCutchen and Ross Ohlendorf did not turn into big parts of this team’s future.  Karstens was serviceable, but not stellar.  Tabata was basically a complete bust, never posting an OPS above .760 and missing games due to injury.

The trade was not much better for the Yankees.  Nady would have a strong finish to the 2008 season and would earn a contract back with the Yankees in 2009.  Unfortunately, Nady would miss most of the season due to a career-altering 2nd Tommy-John Surgery.

The Bucs traded Marte at the right time as he posted an ERA over 5 with the Yankees down the stretch.  He would stick around for a few more seasons with the Yankees but never replicate the success he had here in Pittsburgh. The deal was essentially a wash for both clubs, the Yankees would miss the playoffs in 2008 and the Bucs really did not get much out of the 4 prospects acquired.