According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, the Pirates traded closer David Bednar to the New York Yankees today, acquiring minor-league catcher Rafael Flores, the Yankees’ No. 8 ranked prospect by MLB.com, and two other prospects.
Bednar, 30, has a 2.37 ERA and 51 strikeouts in 38 innings, with 17 saves in 17 opportunities this season.
Flores, a 24-year-old righty hitter and thrower, was recently promoted to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre and is hitting .279/.351/./475 with 16 home runs, a 9.8 percent walk rate and a 25.5 percent strikeout rate in 97 games, primarily at Double-A.
MLB.com is reporting that the Pirates are also getting two Single A players:
Edgleen Perez (C, Age 19) – Said to be the best defensive catcher in the Yankees’ system.
Brian Sanchez (OF, Age 21) – Athletic outfielder with speed (24 SB), solid contact skills, and sneaky upside.
