It's time to retire that Brian Bixler Pirates jersey you've been waiting to break out, because the perennial prospect has just been dealt to the Cleveland Indians. The move clears a spot on the Buccos' 40-man roster for newly-signed reliever Brendan Donnelly.In return, the Pirates got Jesus. That's right, Jesus...Brito.
Last year, the 22-year-old Brito was fifth among all minor league players with a .353 combined average between rookie ball and Class A, with 3 HR and 43 RBI in 60 games. He doesn't appear to be playing at PNC Park anytime soon, but the fact that Neal Huntington was able to get anything more than a bag of sunflower seeds for Bixler (let alone a potential prospect) is nothing short of a miracle.
As for Bixler, he exits the Pittsburgh Baseball Club with a .178 average, 62 strikeouts and 27 hits in 152 career at-bats, which means his strikeout average was actually better than his batting average. Probably a good thing that the Pirates parted ways with him sooner rather than later.
Pirates trade Bixler for prospect, sign Donnelly [PG]
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