The Pittsburgh Pirates have traded reliever Bryan Morris to the Miami Marlins for the 39th overall pick in the upcoming draft. The pick is a competitive balance pick, which means it can be traded.
Pittsburgh was going to have to make a roster decision when Stolmy Pimentel returns from the disabled list and it looks like Morris was the odd man out. He has a 3.80 ERA in 21 appearances this year, posting a 1.56 WHIP and a 12/14 BB/K ratio in 23.2 innings. Morris has really struggled in May, allowing eight runs on 15 hits and ten walks in 12.2 innings over 12 appearances.
Pimentel began pitching at Pirates City on Friday.
The draft pick will give the Pirates another chance at some high upside talent and it also gives them a bigger draft bonus pool to work from. They also have the 24th, 64th and 73rd overall picks.
Neal Huntington had this to say about the trade:
“We feel this trade will have a positive impact on this organization, in the short, moderate and long-term. Short term the trade will add a quality prospect to our system that will enhance our ability to make prospect for major league player type deals while helping us sustain crucial prospect depth.” Huntington goes on to say “We have made this move from a position of strength as we keep our core bullpen intact. In moderate and long-term, we add a an additional first round talent that we project to play a significant role on future Pirates’ teams.”
