The Pittsburgh Pirates have reportedly traded Kevin Newman to the Cincinnati Reds, according to Rob Biertempfel and Ken Rosenthal. The move came not long after the Pirates tendered Newman a contract for the 2023 season.
The Pirates have traded INF Kevin Newman to the Reds, pending results of a physical, sources tell me and @Ken_Rosenthal.
— RobBiertempfel (@RobBiertempfel) November 19, 2022
Newman was expected to receive $2.8 million in arbitration. It was likely that he would be a backup infielder for the Pirates, with Oneil Cruz starting at shortstop, and Rodolfo Castro emerging as a second base option. Newman wouldn’t have been cost prohibitive as a backup. His value was more defensive geared, but his price was within that normal range.
No word yet on the return. We will post an update when more information becomes available.
UPDATE 10:05 PM: The Pirates are getting right-handed pitcher Dauri Moreta in return.
Source: In return for INF Kevin Newman, Pirates will get relief pitcher Dauri Moreta from Reds.
— RobBiertempfel (@RobBiertempfel) November 19, 2022
Moreta is a 26-year-old reliever who put up a 5.40 ERA and a 4.38 xFIP in 38.1 innings last year in the majors. His fastball averages 96 MPH, and he mixes in a changeup and slider. Opponents had a .464 OPS against the slider, and a .694 against the changeup. They crushed the fastball this past year to a tune of a .948 OPS. It’s possible that Moreta could benefit from a move to a two-seam, to pair with the slider.
At best, the Pirates made a cost cutting move to boost their depth. They are down a backup middle infielder, added a middle relief option, and saved a few million. Moreta has two options remaining, and six years of team control if he figures things out.
UPDATE 11:01 PM: The trade is now official.
UPDATE 11:12 PM: Here is a good note on Moreta from Doug Gray, who runs the amazing RedsMinorLeagues.com.
And there it is.
Moreta after being called back up on June 19th: 24.2IP, 2.92 ERA, 3 HR allowed, .601 OPS against. Allowed runs in 3 of his 20 appearances. https://t.co/rHsK5m3NZg
— Doug Gray (@dougdirt24) November 19, 2022
