Pittsburgh Pirates News: Team Trades for Outfielder Edward Olivares
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The Pittsburgh Pirates have acquired outfielder Edward Olivares from the Kansas City Royals in exchange for minor-league infielder Deivis Nadal. This move, part of the ongoing offseason, is noteworthy for the Pittsburgh Pirates, especially compared to some of the other moves they have made. The team has also formally announced the signing of Rowdy Tellez.
Olivares, 28, brings some upside to the Pirates' outfield. It was rumored early in the offseason that the team was looking to bring in an additional outfielder. Olivares looks to be that addition. As a right-handed bat, he will be able to compliment outfielder Jack Suwisnki and more so Josh Palacios.
Initially signed by the Blue Jays, he was later involved in trades with the Padres and the Royals. In 2023 with the Royals, he played 107 games, hitting 12 home runs and stealing 11 bases. Despite a 5.7% walk rate, Olivares managed a 16.6% strikeout rate, showcasing a disciplined plate approach. His batting line of .263/.317/.452 resulted in a wRC+ of 105, indicating an above-average offensive contribution.
We have acquired OF Edward Olivares from the Kansas City Royals in exchange for minor league OF Deivis Nadal. pic.twitter.com/CHMCdLlewC
— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) December 16, 2023
Olivares is a pretty good athlete all around. In 2023 he hit 12 home runs and stole 11 bases in just over 100 games played. One thing that has plagued Olivares throughout his career thus far has been injuries. Olivares missed a chunk of this past season dealing with an oblique injury.
In return, the Royals receive 22-year-old Deivis Nadal, a versatile infielder with experience across multiple positions. Nadal, who played in Single-A for the past two seasons, demonstrated a blend of skills in 2023, including a 33% strikeout rate, a 15.1% walk rate, and 33 stolen bases. His batting line of .212/.344/.377 equated to a wRC+ of 101.
The Pittsburgh Pirates acquisition of Olivares strengthens their outfield and adds a potential upside player to the mix.
Overall it looks like an easy win of a deal for the Pittsburgh Pirates. The prospect they have up is essentially an organization filler. Meanwhile, Olivera is at worst a good 4th outfield option. If the Pittsburgh Pirates could add some pitching now that would be great.