The New York Yankees have acquired right-handed pitcher JT Brubaker from the Pittsburgh Pirates in exchange for a player to be named later, along with international signing bonus money. Brubaker did not pitch in the previous season and was placed on the 60-day injured list during spring training. His last full season was in 2022, where he had a 3-12 record with a 4.69 ERA in 28 starts. The 30-year-old has pitched in parts of three Major League seasons with Pittsburgh and has a career record of 9-28 with a 4.99 ERA in 63 games with 61 starts. He hopes to return to the mound after the All-Star Break and will need to work his way back into a rotation.
Brubaker’s future with the Yankees is uncertain, given the crowded rotation in New York. The team is currently filled with talented pitchers, including ace Gerrit Cole, who may return from injury soon. The Pirates, on the other hand, have a deeper rotation, with prospects waiting in the wings. Pittsburgh’s general manager, Ben Cherington, mentioned that the decision to trade Brubaker came down to how much they would use him in the second half of 2024 and 2025 versus getting something back immediately. Brubaker has four years of service time and still has one more arbitration season remaining.
If the Yankees are in good shape when Brubaker is ready to return, he may be sent to Triple-A to build his arm strength and provide depth for the team while also gaining an extra year of club control. Brubaker was originally drafted by the Pirates in the sixth round of the 2015 MLB Draft out of the University of Akron. It is likely that he won’t see a major league roster until next season, unless injuries create an opportunity for him to step in. The move to acquire Brubaker seems to be part of a long-term plan for the Yankees, as they seek to add depth to their pitching rotation and develop talent in the minors.
Overall, the trade between the Yankees and Pirates involving JT Brubaker appears to be a strategic move for both teams. The Yankees gain a potential asset for the future while the Pirates receive value in exchange for a player who may not have a significant role in their current rotation. As Brubaker works to return to form after his injury, he will have the opportunity to contribute to the Yankees’ pitching staff and potentially make an impact in the seasons to come. The trade reflects the ongoing strategies and priorities of each team as they navigate the challenges and opportunities of the MLB season.
