The Pittsburgh Pirates have acquired right-handed pitcher Cristofer Melendez from the San Diego Padres for cash considerations. This is an interesting deal because you almost never see Rule 5 trades on the minor league side. Melendez was taken fifth overall in the Triple-A phase of the Rule 5 draft today by the Padres from the Chicago White Sox. The Pirates didn’t select until 15th overall, so it appears that he is someone they were targeting. The cost will obviously be low because the Padres just paid $24,000 to acquire him today.
Melendez was released by the Houston Astros after the 2017 season, which was his third year in the DSL. The White Sox signed him this April and in his fourth DSL season, he posted a 1.54 ERA in 70.1 innings, with 93 strikeouts and a .158 BAA. He is 21 years old and stands 6’3″, 170 pounds. He’s had a solid strikeout rate in the past, but never the control or results to go along with it.
The Pirates have been stocking up on young, lower level pitchers recently, including Winston Nicacio earlier today. This seems to be another lottery ticket type pickup.
