Pirates acquire 3-year MLB outfielder in trade with Orioles

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Pirates acquire 3-year MLB outfielder in trade with Orioles image

Jun 21, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Members of the Pittsburgh Pirates celebrate defeating the Colorado Rockies in the at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

The Pittsburgh Pirates have made an early move before the trade deadline.

They agreed to a deal with the Baltimore Orioles on Monday night.

According to an announcement from both clubs, the Pirates have acquired outfielder Johnathan Rodriguez from the Orioles in exchange for cash considerations.

Baltimore designated Rodriguez for assignment a few days ago.

Rodriguez has played parts of three MLB seasons, appearing in a career-high 31 games with the Cleveland Guardians in 2025.

He hit .197 with two home runs and 10 RBIs in 77 trips to the plate.

"For the Bucs, there’s little harm in taking a shot and seeing what happens. Rodríguez is optionable for the rest of this year," Darragh McDonald of MLB Trade Rumors wrote. "He can stay in Triple-A as the club gets a close-up look at him."

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Rodriguez's Triple-A numbers are much better than his Major League statistics, as he's hit .295/.386/.508 across four seasons.

He made just 15 trips to the plate with the Orioles, collecting two hits and six strikeouts.

The 26-year-old Puerto Rico native won the 2025-26 Puerto Rican Winter League MVP with the Gigantes de Carolina.