The Pittsburgh Pirates made a bold move by adding catcher Joey Bart to their roster after acquiring him in a trade with the San Francisco Giants. Bart, who was once considered the successor to Buster Posey in San Francisco, found himself designated for assignment by the Giants, paving the way for his move to Pittsburgh.
The Pirates, who were off to a hot 5-0 start to the season, received Bart in exchange for minor league right-hander Austin Strickland. Bart, 27, had appeared in 162 games over four seasons with the Giants, batting .219 with 11 homers and 38 RBIs.
What makes this trade even more special is Bart’s connection to Pennsylvania. His father went to high school in the state and was drafted by the Pirates in 1979. Pirates manager Derek Shelton shared that Bart was excited to join the team and return to where his family has roots.
Bart’s arrival comes at a crucial time for the Pirates, as backup catcher Jason Delay was placed on the 10-day injured list due to inflammation in his right knee. With starting catcher Henry Davis holding down the fort, Bart adds depth to the team’s catching rotation.
Shelton expressed his excitement about adding Bart to the team, highlighting his experience in the big leagues. With Yasmani Grandal still sidelined with an injury, Bart’s presence provides valuable support behind the plate for the Pirates.
Overall, Bart’s addition to the Pirates’ roster brings a mix of talent, experience, and a sense of homecoming, making it a significant move for the team as they aim to build on their early-season success.