TRADE: Pirates Acquire Slugger From Marlins

The Pittsburgh Pirates have made a significant move to strengthen their outfield by acquiring slugger Bryan De La Cruz from the Miami Marlins. 

De La Cruz, 27, is set to bring much-needed power to the Pirates' lineup, having hit .245 with 18 home runs and 51 RBIs this season. 

Over his four seasons with the Marlins, he has maintained a career average of .258, with 55 home runs and 155 RBIs across 431 games. 

Known for his versatility in handling all three outfield spots and his elite throwing arm, De La Cruz is expected to be a valuable addition to the Pirates, especially in the smaller right field at PNC Park.

Marlins OF Bryan De La Cruz is being traded to the Pirates per source.

— Craig Mish (@CraigMish) July 30, 2024

In exchange for De La Cruz, the Pirates have sent two of their top-20 prospects to Miami: right-handed pitcher Jun-Seok Shim and infielder Garret Forrester. 

Shim, a 20-year-old South Korean signee, has shown impressive strikeout abilities with 13 strikeouts in eight professional innings, despite being currently sidelined with a shoulder injury. 

Forrester, Pittsburgh’s third-round pick in 2023, has demonstrated a keen eye at the plate with a .250 batting average and a .399 on-base percentage in Low-A Bradenton.

𝗕𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚: Pirates have acquired OF Bryan De La Cruz from the Miami Marlins per @JonHeyman pic.twitter.com/PhSar3i9DI

— The Bucco Beat (@TheBuccoBeat) July 30, 2024

With three years of team control remaining, De La Cruz provides a cost-effective solution to bolster Pittsburgh's lineup alongside All-Star Bryan Reynolds. 

Despite some defensive range limitations, his power-hitting potential and strong arm make him a strategic fit for the Pirates.

Photo Credit: Jim Rassol-USA TODAY Sports