Earlier today the Yankees announced they have traded right-hander Johnny Barbato to the Pirates for cash or a player to be named later. I’d bet on cash. Barbato was designated for assignment last week to clear a 40-man roster spot for Jordan Montgomery. Does this count as the annual Yanks-Pirates trade?
Barbato, 24, came over from the Padres in the Shawn Kelley trade back during the 2014-15 offseason. He made the Opening Day roster last season and threw 13 mostly ineffective relief innings (7.62 ERA and 4.45 FIP). The Yankees planned to try Barbato, a career reliever, as a starter this season, but they needed the 40-man space.