Trade: Reds Acquire Infielder From Pirates

The Pittsburgh Pirates have a jam-packed middle infield, including what they hope is the face of the franchise at shortstop in Oneil Cruz. It was inevitable that Kevin Newman's days in the Steel City would be numbered.

Just hours after tendering Newman a contract for 2023, the Pirates traded him to the Cincinnati Reds.

The #Reds have acquired IF Kevin Newman from the Pirates in exchange for RHP Dauri Moreta.

Welcome to Reds Country, Kevin! pic.twitter.com/1Umj2grWYC

— Cincinnati Reds (@Reds) November 19, 2022

Newman replaces the outgoing Kyle Farmer at short for the Reds, who completed another trade to send Farmer to the Minnesota Twins.

Kyle Farmer (age 32) in 2022: .255 / .315 / .386

Kevin Newman (age 29) in 2022: .274 / .316 / .372

Most underrated difference between the two, though? Defense, speed, and roughly $3MM.

— Kralled in Four (@RedsInFour) November 19, 2022

Newman is entering his second year of arbitration, and made $1.9M this past season. Farmer is entering his 3rd year of arbitration, and already made $3.1M in 2022. Newman is a stronger defender up the middle, with more speed. 

“Similar players, just doing it a little bit differently. Kyle was transitioning more to the corner. Newman stayed more in the middle, a little bit more rangy,” Reds general manager Nick Krall said. “Kyle is a little bit more offensive. We’re just looking for a different fit, and Newman just kind of fit better.” 

In return, the Pirates pick up RHP Dauri Moreta, 26, who had a 5.40 ERA in 38.1 innings for the Reds. He had a 39:13 K/BB ratio. 

Photo: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports