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Pirates Acquire Marco Gonzales

By Mark Polishuk | December 5, 2023 at 10:04pm CDT

The Pirates announced the acquisition of left-hander Marco Gonzales and cash considerations from the Braves. Atlanta receives a player to be named later or cash in return. The move comes just two days after Atlanta landed Gonzales as part of a five-player trade with the Mariners, yet it was already expected that Gonzales would be quickly flipped to another team.

Pittsburgh will presumably now be Gonzales’ final landing spot of the offseason, as the southpaw brings some experience to a Pirates team sorely in need of rotation help.  Beyond ace Mitch Keller, the Bucs’ projected starting staff is thin on MLB service time and lacking in quality results at the big league level.  Roansy Contreras, Bailey Falter, Luis Ortiz, and Quinn Priester were lined up as the next four in the rotation, as Johan Oviedo will miss all of 2024 recovering from Tommy John surgery, and JT Brubaker and Mike Burrows won’t be options until closer to midseason due to TJ procedures of their own from last April.  2023 first overall draft pick Paul Skenes is expected to be on a fast track to the big leagues as early as next season, yet with only 6 2/3 pro innings on his resume, it is too early to assume Skenes is a lock for his MLB debut in 2024.

This isn’t to say that Gonzales (who turns 32 in February) is necessarily a clear-cut upgrade for the Buccos, as he is trying to bounce back from essentially a lost season.  Gonzales’ 2023 campaign was cut short by a forearm strain in May, and he had struggled to a 5.22 ERA over 50 innings and 10 starts for Seattle before going on the injured list.  While the forearm problem was a painful new wrinkle to the proceedings, the overall dip in form wasn’t a total surprise, given how Gonzales has been outperforming his peripheral numbers for years.

Gonzales posted a 3.94 ERA over 765 2/3 innings for the Mariners from 2018-22, with a more unflattering 4.64 SIERA reflecting his lack of strikeouts.  Though Gonzales isn’t a hard thrower and he doesn’t miss many bats, he still achieved success with a recipe of solid control and limiting hard contact.  Despite the lack of velocity, Gonzales’ four-seamer was quietly one of the more effective pitches in baseball before 2022, when it suddenly dropped into being a below-average offering.

If Gonzales can stay healthy and get back to his pre-2023 results, that alone represents a nice boost for the Pirates’ staff.  It might help that the lefty is leaving Seattle for another pretty pitcher-friendly locale in PNC Park, as home runs also became an increasing problem for Gonzales in 2021-22.

2024 is the last guaranteed season of the four-year, $30MM extension that Gonzales signed with the Mariners prior to the 2020 campaign, and the deal also contains a $15MM club option for 2025 with no buyout.  Since Gonzales received a $250K assignment bonus for being traded from the Mariners, the $4.5MM Seattle included in the trade package to Atlanta left $7.75MM remaining in owed salary to the left-hander.  The Braves have eaten part of that portion to facilitate this next deal with Pittsburgh, only increasing Gonzales’ affordable nature — no small matter for a Pirates team that is always looking to keep its spending in check.

Though the Bucs are intending to raise their modest payroll by some extent, obtaining Gonzales for less than $7.75MM allows the club to fill one rotation hole without taking up much of whatever spending capacity GM Ben Cherington has been allotted this winter.  Since Jack Flaherty is another name on the Pirates’ radar, it could be that Pittsburgh will address its rotation with veterans on short-term deals, hoping that at least one reclamation project like Gonzales or Flaherty can bounce back to become solid starter.

From Atlanta’s perspective, taking on the contracts of Gonzales and Evan White was the price necessary to obtain Jarred Kelenic from the Mariners.  White’s injury history makes him more or less immovable outside of a total salary dump, yet Gonzales’ history as a decently effective and durable starter prior to 2022 made him a better candidate to be flipped, considering the league-wide need for pitching depth.  The Braves are known to be looking for higher-tier pitching upgrades themselves, after missing out on Aaron Nola earlier in the offseason.

Jeff Passan of ESPN first reported the Pirates were acquiring Gonzales and cash for a player to be named later.

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Atlanta Braves Newsstand Pittsburgh Pirates Transactions Marco Gonzales

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View Comments (161)
Post a Comment

161 Comments

  1. FenwayFanatic

    2 years ago

    First one?

    1
    Reply
    • 99CaptainJudge99

      2 years ago

      He’s got a 75 mile per hour fastball.

      8
      Reply
      • joblo

        2 years ago

        So did Rich Hill.

        5
        Reply
    • Goku the Knowledgable One

      2 years ago

      I had him confused with Martin Perez..

      but turns out they’re the same guy anyways.

      3
      Reply
      • Chuck from Uniontown

        1 year ago

        @Goku This comment got funnier with age.

        2
        Reply
    • i like al conin

      2 years ago

      Tough break. He went from the hotel suite to the penthouse to the gutter in a matter of hours.

      5
      Reply
      • Catuli Carl

        2 years ago

        Pittsburgh is a beautiful city and PNC is a beautiful park. Los Angeles, on the other hand, is one massive homeless encampment.

        20
        Reply
        • Mendoza Line 215

          2 years ago

          Do you guys really want a troll like al conin in your town?

          1
          Reply
        • i like al conin

          2 years ago

          I was talking about the teams and not the towns. Been to the Pirates stadium several times and loved it.

          2
          Reply
        • Mendoza Line 215

          2 years ago

          AL- still a harsh statement to Pirate fans.
          We are used to being trolled relentlessly from 2022 by out of town posters.

          1
          Reply
  2. FenwayFanatic

    2 years ago

    Why not for the pirates

    1
    Reply
  3. Samhaggertyplayoffhero

    2 years ago

    Pittsburgh fans gonna be happy.

    3
    Reply
    • alwaysgo4two

      2 years ago

      Actually I’m good with him considering the in house options.

      13
      Reply
  4. SweetBabyRayKingsThickThighs

    2 years ago

    Traded for nothing

    Reply
    • vacommish

      2 years ago

      Dumped a bulk of the salary

      1
      Reply
    • YeOlToddster

      2 years ago

      Taking on his salary probably sealed the Kelenic acquisition. Now to dump a majority of it (I’m assuming), even for nothing or next-to-nothing, is a good overall set of transactions.

      6
      Reply
      • SeaIndy

        2 years ago

        Marco was the smaller salary dump out of the two the Mariners traded.

        Marco – $12.5 mill
        White – $17 mill

        1
        Reply
        • YeOlToddster

          2 years ago

          Right. I think AA plays this year-by-year, though, and we’ll see what happens with White. In any case, even moving SOME of Marco’s salary makes the overall deal set better for the Braves.

          2
          Reply
        • SeaIndy

          2 years ago

          I wasn’t knocking it, just pointing it out cause there were a few others thinkin Marco’s salary was the worst in the equation an it is actually White’s but his is 2 years.

          Someone before expected a decent prospect while dumping Marco, I assume it is ptbnl due to Marco’s injury and what kind of timeline he can return on.

          Reply
        • YeOlToddster

          2 years ago

          And White’s CBT hit (relevant for the Braves) is ‘only’ $4M for 2024; $8M total thru 2025.

          1
          Reply
        • Roidville Slugger

          2 years ago

          Sheesh. Didn’tevenrealizethat…crazy contract for a kid who hadn’t played in the majors (at that point).

          Reply
        • bhambrave

          2 years ago

          White’s CBT hit is $8.5M in both 2024 and 2025. When a player gets traded, his CBT gets recalculated using just the remaining dollars.

          1
          Reply
        • BigDJohn

          2 years ago

          Wrong, he’s only owed $15mil over the next 2 years.

          1
          Reply
        • jimmyz

          2 years ago

          There’s also the 4 million dollars of buyouts for the three option years on Evan White’s deal that both of you are overlooking too.

          1
          Reply
        • BigDJohn

          2 years ago

          You don’t pay all of those, you only pay the option on that year if you turn that year down. So you will never pay more than $2mil if you turn down an option year.

          1
          Reply
        • Roidville Slugger

          2 years ago

          I believe SeaIndy was saying 15 mil, plus the 2 million dollar buyout for that first option equals 17 mil.

          2
          Reply
        • bhambrave

          2 years ago

          @Slugger: Correct. $7M for ’24 plus $8M for ’25 plus the $2M buyout for ’26 = $17M guaranteed over the next two years. $17M/2 = $8.5M per year of CBT hit.

          2
          Reply
        • BigDJohn

          2 years ago

          Incorrect, because you can’t imply they ever would pay that buyout over just taking his option. That’s all a 2026 deal which has nothing to do with 24/25.

          Reply
        • bhambrave

          2 years ago

          Incorrect. You pay CBT on guaranteed income, so the $2M counts, and it counts toward 2025. You can’t assume the 26 option will be picked up. Check out Cot’s Contracts. Every team option is handled that way.

          1
          Reply
        • BigDJohn

          2 years ago

          So you’re saying that they overpay should they pick up those options, that makes no sense.

          Reply
        • bhambrave

          2 years ago

          I don’t know what happens if/when they pick up the option, but until they do, the buyout is included in their CBT computation.

          Reply
        • BigDJohn

          2 years ago

          That buyout has nothing to do with 24 or 25, thus what I’m saying is true, as that buyout if for 26, thus it’s 26 salary. When you look at “retained salary” players like Yates ($1,25mil) and McHugh ($1mil) are on the retained salary for 2024 since their option was for this year.

          Reply
        • bhambrave

          2 years ago

          I’m sorry, Big John, but you’re wrong. the buyout is included in the CBT calculation.

          1
          Reply
        • bhambrave

          2 years ago

          The buyout is treated as a signing bonus if it isn’t exercised, is part of the guaranteed contract, and is included in the AAV calculation vis a vis the CBT. From the Collective Bargaining Agreement on the MLBPA website:

          (b) Option Buyouts
          (i) General Rule
          (A) If a Uniform Player’s Contract contains a Club Option
          Year or a Player Option Year that is not deemed a Guaranteed
          Year pursuant to subparagraph (a)(ii) above and the Player is
          to receive consideration upon the non-exercise of that option
          or the nullification of a championship season (“Option Buy-
          out”), then such Option Buyout shall be deemed a Signing
          Bonus. If a Uniform Player’s Contract contains an Option
          Buyout for a Club decision not to exercise a Club Option Year
          and an Option Buyout for a Player decision not to exercise a
          Player Option Year (or to nullify a championship season) that
          is deemed a Signing Bonus pursuant to this subparagraph
          (b)(i), then the higher Option Buyout payment shall be deemed
          the Signing Bonus

          2
          Reply
        • SeaIndy

          2 years ago

          Oh snap…
          All who vote to change his name to BigDipshitJohn say I

          2
          Reply
    • Smacky

      2 years ago

      You’d be surprised what you can get with a player to named later.

      5
      Reply
      • Goku the Knowledgable One

        2 years ago

        I still cringe when I think of Shane Baz being the PTBNL in the Archer deal.

        .. as if Meadows and Glasnow wasn’t enough.

        10
        Reply
        • Mendoza Line 215

          2 years ago

          Huntington cringed too as he said when the trade was made that the ptbnl was going to hurt.
          I still think that Baz was not necessary to be added but the Rays knew how bad the Pirates wanted a #2 pitcher in order to try for the playoffs.

          1
          Reply
        • Robertowannabe1

          2 years ago

          As fate would have it, injuries have derailed all 4 players in that trade.

          2
          Reply
        • Mendoza Line 215

          2 years ago

          Although injuries to non pitchers are now somewhat common,it is rare indeed when a pitcher does not get a serious injury periodically throughout his career.

          1
          Reply
        • joew

          2 years ago

          I know. the trade first reported I was okay since Glasnow and Meadows didn’t do much for us but still had good upside.. then later Baz, I was jacked.

          Reply
      • PiratesPundit51

        2 years ago

        Atlanta kicking in money probably got them a better prospect as the PTBNL, but I suspect that main reason the player wasn’t named is that Atlanta wants to see how Rule 5 shakes out first. If they nab whoever they want there, the PTBNL will be a guy who doesn’t have to be rostered, if they don’t make a pick, they take an upper-level mid-range guy, like Tahnaj Thomas – he has good stuff but can’t always find the strike zone.

        For non-roster guys, I’d say someone of the ilk of Derek Diamond, who’s in High A. Produced some reasonable results in a hitter-friendly league. He would hurt a little more than Thomas in terms of the future, but still outside the Pirates’ top arms in the system (but working his way up).

        Reply
        • BigDJohn

          2 years ago

          @PiratesPundit51 A prospect wasn’t named because the Braves have a choice of either a player to be named later or cash considerations. This was said by the Pirates last night.

          Reply
        • PiratesPundit51

          2 years ago

          I stand corrected, looks like the Braves are just taking the money. Seems like they might have been looking at a potential Rule 5 guy, but since none of the Pirates’ guys were picked before the Braves picked, I’m not sure who they would have wanted.

          The only prospect of note to get picked on the Pirates’ side was Dariel Lopez, and I honestly don’t think the Braves were looking at him, otherwise they could have gotten him for free with their pick in the minor league phase.

          Reply
  5. Cardsfan21

    2 years ago

    I hope he does well and even this year I was hoping for a full circle Gonzales for Oneill 2.0 trade

    6
    Reply
  6. goingtothestore

    2 years ago

    We hardly knew ye marco

    1
    Reply
  7. steelerbravenation

    2 years ago

    Mitch Keller coming back

    1
    Reply
    • Jesse Chavez enthusiast

      2 years ago

      Nah, I wish

      Reply
  8. goingtothestore

    2 years ago

    Goodbye Marco. We hardly knew ye

    2
    Reply
  9. Jesse Chavez enthusiast

    2 years ago

    That guy named “cash considerations” gets traded an awful lot.

    10
    Reply
    • Logjammer D"Baggagecling

      2 years ago

      So does PTBNL.

      2
      Reply
    • AlBundysFanClubPresident

      2 years ago

      The most overhyped, yet disappointing on field results prospect of all time. Yet every GM/POBO swears his coaches can fix him. What a shame. He was Ohtani, Harper, Griffey, Clemons, Randy Johnson, Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman and Mo Rivera all in 1.

      1
      Reply
      • Jesse Chavez enthusiast

        2 years ago

        I know! You’d figure after all these years that teams would give up on Cash, yet every season we see him passed along from team to team.

        Love the Al Bundy reference though!

        Reply
  10. Cora the Destroya

    2 years ago

    In Cherington we trust

    2
    Reply
    • TheMan 3

      2 years ago

      I wish I could agree Cora, BC’s hands are tied due to the lack of financial resources that Nutting provides.
      I know BC does his best to put a competitive team on the field but it’s difficult when he has an owner whose profit margin is more important than winning
      I don’t deprive an owner of making money, and support capitalism but Cherington can only do so much given his limitations financially
      It isn’t BC that I distrust, it’s Nutting

      2
      Reply
      • Cora the Destroya

        2 years ago

        I get it

        Reply
      • Goku the Knowledgable One

        2 years ago

        yep. it’s the payrolls fault that they haven’t developed a single pitcher

        Reply
        • TheMan 3

          2 years ago

          When you don’t pay for good coaches to develop players, yes, payroll is a contributing factor

          Reply
  11. JohnFisher’s$1BlumpkinSpecial

    2 years ago

    I like this for both teams, assuming the ptbnl quality is based on the quality of Marco’s performance.

    I could see him pitching well in Pittsburgh.

    6
    Reply
  12. jatk13

    2 years ago

    Prob like the archer trade- going back to Atlanta: Priester, Jared Jones, and Nick Gonzalez

    Reply
    • YourDreamGM

      2 years ago

      Jones would be the only loss. Priester has potential still but for a good pitcher see ya later. I hope some team wants Gonzales for a pitcher. Gonzales will be the Andujar Frazier for Pirates fans.

      1
      Reply
      • TheMan 3

        2 years ago

        so much for the theory that the Bucs will increase payroll to $100 million

        Reply
  13. AL B DAMNED

    2 years ago

    Not a player to be named!Has he been born yet, or is it going to be Willie Stargell’s offspring from the furture?

    1
    Reply
    • alwaysgo4two

      2 years ago

      A player to be named later, not born later.

      3
      Reply
  14. Pads Fans

    2 years ago

    That didn’t take long. How much of his salary did the Braves eat?

    1
    Reply
    • acoss13

      2 years ago

      Pirates are frugal so it had to have been, Mariners are paying 4.5 out of the 7.5 I think, so Braves probably ate another 3 or 4 million.

      Reply
      • acoss13

        2 years ago

        Ahh thank you for the clarification.

        1
        Reply
      • PiratesPundit51

        2 years ago

        The Pirates still need another SP and a 1B and more depth in the OF. Atlanta also probably had to kick in some of the salary to get a better prospect than a straight-up Gonzales swap would have gotten them.

        It was a win for both teams: Atlanta gets to pawn off Marco, while the Pirates got a guy who is reasonably cheap to chew up a few innings while some of the younger arms figure things out, and still have the budget to continue to address the rotation.

        1
        Reply
        • bhambrave

          2 years ago

          If you need a 1B, Atlanta has a slick-fielding guy in AAA you can have in return for a PTBNL. His name is Evan White and he only costs $17M.

          🙂

          1
          Reply
  15. bravesnation nc

    2 years ago

    AA working that Magic!

    2
    Reply
  16. James Midway

    2 years ago

    He will go into the hall as a Brave

    12
    Reply
  17. Jesse Chavez enthusiast

    2 years ago

    Should work out for both parties, Kelenic is obviously the piece the braves wanted and they get the pirates to pay for part of Marcos salary. The pirates get reliable back of the rotation innings for little risk.

    5
    Reply
  18. AL B DAMNED

    2 years ago

    MARCO? POLO 2 Days a Brave!

    1
    Reply
  19. Samhaggertyplayoffhero

    2 years ago

    Now that’s adding payroll

    1
    Reply
  20. HalosHeavenJJ

    2 years ago

    Braves said they’d deal him. They didn’t take long.

    Hopefully he rebounds as others have done In Pittsburgh I’ve always liked the Pirates.

    5
    Reply
    • jimmyz

      2 years ago

      Pittsburgh is a very good landing spot for Marco. PNC Park is generally more forgiving to lefties with homer issues due to the deep notch in left-center which suppresses homers in a right handed batters power alley. Not expecting a top 10 Cy Young season out of Gonzalez or anything but definitely a good place for him to reestablish his career.

      7
      Reply
      • HalosHeavenJJ

        2 years ago

        I really want to visit that ballpark. Looks gorgeous.

        5
        Reply
        • jimmyz

          2 years ago

          It is and if you ever do visit make sure you gets seats either on the third base side or all the way up top behind home plate so you can enjoy the view of the city.

          4
          Reply
        • HalosHeavenJJ

          2 years ago

          Thanks for the tip.

          When I go to SF games I get tickets on an upper level so I can watch the Bay between innings.

          2
          Reply
        • Champs64

          2 years ago

          PNC Park is one of my faves. The park, the city backdrop, Clemente bridge, the home runs in the river. A great baseball experience. Rooting for Marco.

          3
          Reply
        • Mendoza Line 215

          2 years ago

          And make sure that you tell your family where you will be sitting as they can easily spot you due to the lack of fans.

          3
          Reply
        • HalosHeavenJJ

          2 years ago

          FWIW, Victor Rojas loves the ballpark and the walk across the bridge. He’s seen them all and ranks PNC as a favorite.

          Reply
        • TheMan 3

          2 years ago

          The best ballpark taxpayer money can buy

          Reply
  21. momTurphy

    2 years ago

    this is a good move for Pittsburgh. Marco will battle through innings and ease the burden on guys like Skenes and Priester when they are figuring MLB out.

    2
    Reply
    • southi

      2 years ago

      Marco Gonzalez will provide innings, but I’d imagine that his experience with dealing both with the successes AND failures of a major league pitcher will be his most important contribution to the pirates.

      2
      Reply
      • momTurphy

        2 years ago

        Absolutely. If being a good person made you a good pitcher, he’d be a perennial all star.

        1
        Reply
        • algionfriddo

          2 years ago

          Great teammate. Good guy.

          Reply
  22. bigdaddyk

    2 years ago

    I still hope the mets dump quittania back to us and we

    1
    Reply
    • rct

      2 years ago

      They can’t. Quintana is currently their #2 starter.

      Reply
  23. bucsfan

    2 years ago

    DONT BE NAMED ENDY RODRIGUEZ.

    3
    Reply
    • joblo

      2 years ago

      Braves are set for catchers.

      1
      Reply
      • YourDreamGM

        2 years ago

        Yep. Pirates probably offered Endy and Braves were like nah we’re good at catcher.

        2
        Reply
    • YourDreamGM

      2 years ago

      It won’t.

      Reply
  24. MarlinsFanBase

    2 years ago

    Alright! Some action! Finally!

    3
    Reply
  25. TAKERDBACKS

    2 years ago

    Smart. he will be traded at the deadline at the very least

    2
    Reply
    • YourDreamGM

      2 years ago

      Pirates shouldn’t have that big of a lead in the division and they could always use him out of the pen in the playoffs.

      3
      Reply
  26. mlb1225

    2 years ago

    Awesome! Gets us a durable starter who isn’t bad either.

    4
    Reply
    • SeaIndy

      2 years ago

      He had season ending surgery at the end of August, after not pitching since May.

      Reply
  27. Buzzz Killington

    2 years ago

    Perfect fit for the Pirates style of pitching.

    Reply
    • YourDreamGM

      2 years ago

      Add a lefty off the trash pile and hope PNC giant left field keeps the ball in the park?

      Reply
  28. bravesfan

    2 years ago

    Welp, good to know ya. Curious how much cash we got back

    1
    Reply
    • YourDreamGM

      2 years ago

      Never heard of Bob Nutting? Braves will be sending the cash to Pittsburgh. But Pittsburgh should be paying him something so you won’t be paying him as much as you would by keeping him.

      Reply
      • bravesfan

        2 years ago

        I mean, that’s kind of the assumption under “cash considerations” lol

        1
        Reply
        • YourDreamGM

          2 years ago

          I was poking a lil fun at Bob. Since I posted it’s reported Braves could get ptbnl or cash. So maybe everyone gets cash!

          Reply
  29. cah011381

    2 years ago

    Wears a Braves hat on his hall of fame plaque.

    3
    Reply
  30. User 4095290658

    2 years ago

    Second solid move of the day from Cherrington.

    Reply
  31. holecamels35

    2 years ago

    One down, two more to go. Let’s get a high upside guy like Montas or Manea next.

    Reply
    • jimmyz

      2 years ago

      Being a realistic Pirates fan, Manaea was the guy I hoped they would sign as a free agent. My initial reaction to this Marco Gonzalez trade is that he fills the role of the Bucco’s annual one year deal back end of the rotation veteran to flip at the deadline quota so now I have a very faint hope that Cherington aims a bit higher in free agency to provide some longer-term stability to the rotation. Nothing crazy or anything but a three year deal to someone in the Stroman/Giolito/Wacha tier of free agent pitcher would be a great addition while guys like Roansy, Priester, Luis Ortiz, Mike Burrows, etc work towards establishing themselves in the big leagues.

      1
      Reply
      • YourDreamGM

        2 years ago

        “three year deal to someone in the Stroman/Giolito/Wacha”

        “Being a realistic Pirates fan”

        1
        Reply
        • jimmyz

          2 years ago

          Haha you got me. It’s just really hard sometimes to think about entirely reasonable moves that fill roster needs and are theoretically possibly for any team, including the Pirates, to make and then willingly take it down three or four notches to the level where the Pirates actually operate and handle business.

          1
          Reply
  32. BrettPhillips for Prezident

    2 years ago

    The stove is officially, lukewarm.

    Reply
    • mlb1225

      2 years ago

      Hey, the stove is as hot as a dwarf star, at least for the Pirates, if they’re acquiring a pitcher with multiple years of control remaining.

      Reply
  33. DonOsbourne

    2 years ago

    Very solid for everyone involved. The Braves are playing chess. Hats off to a man with a plan, AA.

    Reply
    • RandorBierd

      2 years ago

      Not much worse than Lance Lynn will be so there’s also that.

      Reply
  34. Hired Gun 23

    2 years ago

    I wonder if Gonzales can become effective again like he was prior to 2022? I wasn’t sure because the article only mentioned it 4 times…left me wondering.

    3
    Reply
    • rynoresumes

      2 years ago

      lol

      1
      Reply
  35. steelerbravenation

    2 years ago

    Now the Pirates will bring in Flaherty and get him to pitch aggressive & attack the zone like he did his rookie year.
    Bring back Cutch
    Sign Rowdy
    Sign Manaea
    Sign Andrus
    All guys that are cheap & can be flipped at the deadline & also provide leadership to a young core.

    2
    Reply
    • YourDreamGM

      2 years ago

      Didn’t Manaea opt out? If so he thinks he is getting paid more than Pirates would like. Rowdy defense good? I can’t remember. Alika Peguero may be ss if Cruz can’t go. Not bad options though. Will likely be in that price range whoever they get.

      Reply
    • Chicken In Philly?

      2 years ago

      Wash. Rinse. Repeat. When do the Pirates actually field a competitive team?

      Reply
      • TheMan 3

        2 years ago

        They won 14 more games from the year before so they’re improving, Holden. After having 2 consecutive 100 loss seasons, a 14 game improvement is substantial

        2
        Reply
      • Mendoza Line 215

        2 years ago

        Hold-They will be competitive when they start developing their young players like any team but especially small market teams need to do.The previous GM was fired because he stopped doing that and the jury is still out on this one.

        1
        Reply
        • Chicken In Philly?

          2 years ago

          I get it, but revenue sharing means they can acquire players that aren’t just meant to be flipped if the team isn’t in contention. I’m glad to see the improvement. 2015 just feels like a very long time ago.

          Reply
        • Mendoza Line 215

          2 years ago

          Hold- That is because 2015 is. long time ago.
          Many if not most Pirate fans are frustrated at the lack of rebuilding to a good team.

          1
          Reply
    • Murphy NFLD

      2 years ago

      Rowdy makes sense cuz Ben was in Toronto when he played and may have been there when he was drafted

      Reply
    • PiratesPundit51

      2 years ago

      Personally rooting against Flaherty coming to Pittsburgh. He’s got a streak of entitlement that isn’t going to endear him to the city. Being good can gloss over those things, but there’s no indication that Flaherty is going to be good again (or all that cheap for that matter). He’s not quite to Colin Kaepernick levels, but he’s not far behind either.

      If you could spend the same money and get Frankie Montas, he’s a much better fit in terms of a guy who’s more likely to bounce back and be a better clubhouse guy. Manaea opting out means he thinks he’s going to earn more than $12.5 million as a free agent and honestly he’s not taking a one-year deal unless it’s the only thing left or the only option to be a starter again. By the look of the current SP market, he may get what he wants. Pitching poor teams with deeper pockets (like Boston) probably have the inside track on a guy like him.

      1
      Reply
  36. bhambrave

    2 years ago

    Good move for both teams. Marco is a vet and will be a good leader addition. The Pirates’ farm system is excellent while the Braves’ is crappy. Even if they send someone from the bottom of their top 30 or below, he will still likely be a top 10 guy for the Braves.

    1
    Reply
    • SoCalBrave

      2 years ago

      Don’t expect anyone that’ll make the Braves top 30. Unless the Braves sent more than the $4.5M the Mariners are paying for Marco

      Reply
  37. YourDreamGM

    2 years ago

    My most likely destination for Marco. It’s a Pirate’s move. He should be able to pitch to a 4 something era.

    1
    Reply
  38. mad1

    2 years ago

    Pirates going for it!

    Reply
  39. Thank_God_Im_Not_Tim_Dierkes

    2 years ago

    Other shoe just dropped on the Kelenic, Marco, and White to Braves trade. Marco is now headed to Pittsburgh, where the Braves will be getting a player to be named later… So we know the Mariners gave Kelenic (positive asset) and $4.5M to eat some of the salary of White ($7M), and Marco ($12M), but now we know Marco at $12M still had some value, even if all of that $4.5M is to offset his salary, we could’ve just sent Marco to Pittsburgh, attached the same $4.5M and kept Kelenic, Campbell, and White $2.3M ($7M-$4.7M owed Urias).

    So Mariners fans, now who’s happy we got Urias for Campbell, Kelenic, White, and $2.3M in salary cap space?!

    2
    Reply
    • Larry Bernandez 1324IM

      2 years ago

      Stanton and Dipoto are gonna go down on a Rico case.

      1
      Reply
    • jimmyz

      2 years ago

      Braves are sending money to Pittsburgh in this deal so the Mariners would’ve had to send the 4.5 million plus whatever the Braves are sending to Pittsburgh in this deal. Also White has another year on his contract, not sure the exact amount but I’m pretty sure it’s over 10 million. So your math is off by about 15 million dollars.

      1
      Reply
      • Larry Bernandez 1324IM

        2 years ago

        That 4.5 million is from Seattle.

        Reply
        • jimmyz

          2 years ago

          Yes but in thank God we aren’t the angel’s original post the currently unknown amount of cash the Braves are sending to Pittsburgh is neglected. That money needs to be accounted for in order for Pittsburgh to take Marco. If, as the original post suggests, the Mariners don’t make the deal with the Braves and sent Marco straight to Pittsburgh then the Mariners would’ve had to add that yet to be publicly disclosed amount of money too in addition to the fact that the final year of Evan White’s deal was omitted.

          Reply
      • Thank_God_Im_Not_Tim_Dierkes

        2 years ago

        Okay, the trade was about creating salary room for 2024, this was not about trying to predict the salary needs of 2025. So forget about year two of White’s deal that wasn’t a motivating factor in this move between Seattle and Atlanta. It had to be accounted for within the context of the trade, but the move was about creating $14.5M worth of salary space for 2024.

        That being said, it is now clear they could’ve sent Marco to the Pirates for a PTBNL or cash considerations, and saved $7.5M without giving up Kelenic or White. However, they determined early on that trading Campbell for Urias was a good way to allocate $5M. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see that Kelenic and White are Braves to offset the money owed Luis Urias. That bad process early in the offseason cost us a more valuable asset in Kelenic.

        So again, it becomes, would I rather have Urias and $2M or Kelenic and White, which means we got rid of Kelenic and White to save $2M and get a far inferior talent in Urias, who realistically is unlikely to return to his previous level of success and is redundant on this roster. I firmly believe we could’ve trade Kelenic to the Brewers for 2 years of Devin Williams or to the Cubs for 3 years of Adbert Alzolay or to the White Sox for 5 years of Gregory Santos.

        Then we could’ve traded Topa ($1.5M) and Thornton ($1.5M) for a PTBNL or prospects who don’t require a 40-man roster spot. That would’ve made our bullpen stronger, as any of those three would be better than Topa and Thornton, while leaving us with one less offensive hole to fill (Kelenic in a corner), and we would’ve saved $3M instead of $2M!

        Reply
  40. fre5hwind

    2 years ago

    If this is our yearly veteran signing, there’s no point in getting Jack Flaherty

    Reply
    • TheMan 3

      2 years ago

      Priester is too erratic to be counted on for consistency as are Roasny and Ortiz
      Without knowing if Keller will return to pre all star form, signing Flaherty should be viewed as insurance for the pitching staff

      1
      Reply
      • fre5hwind

        2 years ago

        No Bido either

        1
        Reply
      • fre5hwind

        2 years ago

        Maybe they get Sean Manea who knows

        Reply
    • PiratesPundit51

      2 years ago

      There was never much point in getting Flaherty to begin with, other than needing innings in the first half of the year. Marco is likable, Flaherty not so much. Hopefully the Pirates are in the same mindset, and now try to find another SP with more potential to put up numbers. At this point, Flaherty can have a minor league contract with an opt-out if he wants to pitch here, otherwise find someone better.

      Reply
  41. YourDreamGM

    2 years ago

    Cherington needs to make these moves before 8pm. My friends already had their 4pm dinner and went to bed. Not that they are going to be thrilled. But it should come as no surprise.

    Reply
  42. AG7

    2 years ago

    I hope Braves send 4.5m to Pittsburgh then Seattle turns around and sends the 4.5m Aug 1, only for the PTBNL end up being cash and Braves make money on the deal.

    1
    Reply
  43. samtb13

    2 years ago

    Mariners fan since 1977. Braves to Bucs I think Marco will be solid in the middle of most any MLB rotation this season. He is just couple years removed from being Mariners ace! He is passionate about his craft and works hard…I wouldn’t be surprised to see him being comeback player of the year. Everyone needs to look at Mariners current rotation and realize that most MLB pitchers wouldn’t be able to make M’s top 5 rotation.

    4
    Reply
  44. Dumpster Divin Theo

    2 years ago

    Makes the deal for Kelenic much more palatable. Still they essentially purchased him from the Ms. A win win as Seattle removes mister cranky from their clubhouse and the Braves get another swing and miss bat to plug in post Duvall-Soler-Rosario. Almost wonder why the Braves bother. It’s like rearranging deck chairs but not on the Titanic but like the Four Seasons. How much does Kelenic improve a 95+ team? Shouldn’t they expend resources locking down future FAs?

    3
    Reply
    • NashvilleJeff

      2 years ago

      Kelenic w/5 years of control left and he’s pre arb for 2024. Much cheaper than any of Duvall/Rosario/Soler.

      3
      Reply
    • BigDJohn

      2 years ago

      Is that big of a swing and miss guy if his strikeout rate was 20.6% throughout his minor league career, and only 19.8% in Triple A alone.

      1
      Reply
      • Dumpster Divin Theo

        2 years ago

        Maybe not a classic 3 outcomes guy but are we reading the same stat line? I see a 30% strikeout rate over his MLB career. So a .204 career batter and .300 strikeout guy who hasn’t shown much pop yet. Lot of control yes, but what are you controlling? Another Adam Haseley type? Not to mention the cranky disposition. Hope it works out for both parties but not the slam dunk many Braves fans are saying, when you factor in the salaries they assumed.

        Reply
        • BigDJohn

          2 years ago

          In a limited time starting out his career where he has just around 950ish plate appearances over 3 seasons. It’s like saying Acuna or Riley are strikeout prone due to them having season with less than stellar strikeout rate, until they weren’t once they figured things out. Year by year he’s always had below average strikeout rates, and either it takes a little time to figure things out while having constant at bats for once, or they need to perhaps make an adjustment with him, just like the Braves did with Harris, Acuna, Riley, even Olson this past year, to put him in a better position to hit.

          Reply
  45. Monkey’s Uncle

    2 years ago

    Solid move for the Pirates. Sure he’s an injury risk at this point, but they’re barely giving anything up to take that risk.

    Reply
    • PiratesPundit51

      2 years ago

      Agree. At worst, we have 2024’s Rich Hill, at best another Jose Quintana. And if by some miracle the Pirates manage to compete in 2024, he’s got a pretty reasonable club option ($15 million) if he returns to form. That might be a little pricey for essentially a #4 starter when he’s at his best, but with no buyout at all, the Pirates have some leverage to negotiate with him if he wants to stay.

      1
      Reply
  46. bhambrave

    2 years ago

    Pirates fans need to start a chant when Marco is on the field. One half yells Marco and the other half replies with Gonzo.

    3
    Reply
  47. JoeBrady

    2 years ago

    IMO, good move by Pitt. I think he will be a solid #5 for cheap money.

    1
    Reply
    • joew

      2 years ago

      or number 2 in pittsburgh

      Reply
  48. we_dont_talk_about_that

    2 years ago

    Great now what do I do with my Marco Gonzales Braves jersey?

    2
    Reply
  49. joew

    2 years ago

    i like this as much as the idea signing farety. but they still need a more established starter

    Reply
  50. Buctober 2

    2 years ago

    This is actually a pretty savvy acquisition from the Pirates. Not much of a salary/term obligation, didn’t give up anything, and has the upside as a rock solid back of the rotation guy.

    This allows the Pirates to focus on guys that will bridge the gap between Keller and Gonzales (meaning #2 and #3 starters). Let the young guys battle it out for the 5th spot and depth, with the thought that Skenes replaces the #5 spot or Gonzales when he’s ready.

    This is an underrated move that helps on the field a bit, but more so helps the rest of the offseason. They basically filled on of their four open rotation spots without giving up any prospects or adding significant salary.

    I think now the focus needs to be on two additional, proven starting pitchers. I’m guessing they add one via free agency (maybe Flaherty?) and one via trade (maybe Kopech?).

    2
    Reply
    • joew

      2 years ago

      Really Gonzales is number 2 as of right now. pirates need to make a ‘splash’ to make their rotation respectable compared to other teams that are thinking about winning in 2024 Still a few months away from opening day.. a lot can happen between now and then.

      1
      Reply
      • Buctober 2

        2 years ago

        There isn’t a #2 right now. They acquired Gonzales to be on the back end of the rotation. Like you said, the offseason is incomplete. Excited to see what else the Pirates do.

        1
        Reply
  51. GarryHarris

    2 years ago

    What to do with Evan White now?

    Reply
    • bhambrave

      2 years ago

      Keep him in AAA as defensive depth and see if he can rehabilitate his rep on offense.

      Reply
  52. TheMan 3

    2 years ago

    now that Ohtani got a contract that is the largest in baseball history, BC will be searching for another pitcher who will accept one of the lowest salary in baseball because there’s no way Nutting will allow him to spend more than the pitcher is worth
    It’s time for their annual dumpster diving session to begin

    Reply

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