The Pittsburgh Pirates made a significant move just an hour before the 2024 trade deadline. According to Jon Heyman of MLB Network, the Pirates acquired outfielder Bryan De La Cruz from the Miami Marlins, along with right-handed pitcher Jun-Seok Shim and infielder Garret Forrester.
De La Cruz, a 24-year-old outfielder under club control for three more seasons, has posted a .245/.289/.419 slash line with a .706 OPS, 18 home runs, and 51 RBIs. He has also recorded 19 doubles, 24 walks, and 118 strikeouts in 105 games. His addition is notable for the Pirates, as he now leads the team in home runs and ranks third in RBIs, bolstering their corner outfield options.
Jun-Seok Shim, a 20-year-old pitcher, was signed by the Pirates for $750,000 during the 2023 international signing period. Ranked as the Pirates’ 17th-best prospect by MLB Pipeline, Shim has a 60-grade fastball and a 55-grade curve. Although he has not pitched in 2024, he posted a 3.38 ERA over eight innings in 2023.
Garret Forrester, a 22-year-old versatile infielder, was drafted 73rd overall in 2023 from Oregon State. Playing first base, third base, and catcher, Forrester is ranked as the Pirates’ 18th-best prospect. He batted .273 in 34 games at High-A Bradenton, with one home run and nine RBIs.