Yankees trade top prospect to Pirates to complete deal for starting pitcher

On Tuesday, New York reached a deal with the Pirates to acquire a starting pitcher.

The New York Yankees made an intriguing transaction earlier this season, and it is now officially finalized.

At the end of March, New York acquired experienced starter J.T. Brubaker as well as international signing bonus money from the Pittsburgh Pirates in exchange for a player to be named later. The Yankees and Pirates completed the trade on Tuesday, with New York sending No. 20 prospect Keiner Delgado to Pittsburgh, according to the team.

“The New York Yankees have traded (infielder) Keiner Delgado to the Pittsburgh Pirates as the player to be named later in the 3/29/24 trade in which the Yankees acquired (right-handed pitcher) J.T. Brubaker.”

Delgado signed with the Yankees as an international free agent and has been an All-Star in the minor leagues for the past two seasons. The teenage infielder quickly rose through the Yankees’ farm system rankings, becoming the team’s No. 20 prospect before being assigned to Pittsburgh.

Brubaker has yet to play a game for the Yankees this season as he recovers from Tommy John surgery. The veteran pitcher hopes to return around the All-Star break and, if healthy, could add depth to New York’s starting rotation.

The 30-year-old made his major league debut in 2020 and played in 63 games over three seasons with the Pirates, including 61 starts. Brubaker has a 4.99 ERA and a strikeout-to-walk ratio of 324-to-109 during 315 2/3 innings pitched.

Delgado was a highly regarded prospect for New York, but the team’s infield is crowded, making it tough for him to get into the majors. Hopefully, he will receive the opportunity in Pittsburgh.