Pirates Acquire Infielder Nick Yorke From Red Sox

By Stephen Riale

Photo by Maddie Malhotra/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images

July 29, 2024

The Pittsburgh Pirates are finalizing a trade to acquire Triple-A infielder Nick Yorke from the Boston Red Sox in exchange for RHP Quinn Priester. The 17th overall pick in the 2020 MLB draft, Yorke was the 6th-ranked prospect in the Red Sox’s system before the trade.

Yorke Trade From the Pirates’ Perspective

Yorke has shown flashes as a strong hitting and fielding asset during his run with the Triple-A Worcester Red Sox. In his 38 games in Triple-A, Yorke is batting .310 with a .408 OBP and .490 slugging. Furthermore, he has hit 6 home runs and 19 RBI. Yorke’s strong play in Triple-A has been a bounce back from his prior seasons where he struggled with injuries. For the Pirates, the hope is Yorke can develop into a strong bat to help with their lackluster hitting. Current starting Second Baseman Jared Triolo (.198 AVG, 25 RBI) has struggled at the plate this season.

From the Red Sox’s Perspective

For the Red Sox, this trade opens up a vacancy on their 40-man roster and alleviates the risk of losing Yorke for free in the upcoming Rule 5 Draft. The Red Sox optioned Priester (2-6, 5.04 ERA) to Triple-A affiliate Worcester. Priester, the 18th overall pick in the 2019 MLB Draft, will look forward to a fresh start with the Red Sox after struggling in his 10 appearances for the Pirates this season.

More to Come?

It is unlikely that this will be the last move the Pirates make before tomorrow’s deadline at 6 PM Eastern. The Pirates are firmly in contention for a wild card spot in the National League. A strong addition to the aforementioned lackluster hitting could be a strong step toward getting there. One purported target is already off the table, as the Miami Marlins traded shortstop Jazz Chisholm Jr. (.249, 50 RBI) to the New York Yankees on Saturday.

With time winding down, this trade could be part of a larger plan. Notably, Yorke, who has primarily played second base, shares a position with Termarr Johnson, the number 2 prospect in the Pirates’ system. It is possible the Pirates are looking to slightly replenish their prospect pool before a trade. Could the Pirates be stocking up assets for a big move down the line? Only time will tell.