Guardians and Pirates Complete Trade


After failing to make an impression on the Cleveland Guardians over the past few seasons, 26-year-old infielder Yu Chang is now headed to the Pittsburgh Pirates in return for cash considerations. 

Chang can play all around the infield, and his versatility allowed him to get cups of coffee with the Guardians in parts of the last four seasons. However, after going hitless in 10 at-bats this season, the team designated him for assignment on Thursday. The Pirates put in a claim, so the two clubs today worked out a swap for cash. 

The Taiwan native signed as an international free agent in 2013 at the age of 17, for a signing bonus of $500K. He was listed in Cleveland's Top 30 prospects for the previous six years. 

He's had a total of 331 at-bats with the Guardians, compiling a .208 average with 10 home runs and 46 RBIs. 

The Pirates were looking for some infield help, what with several players on IL. Assistant GM Kevan Graves specifically mentioned first base as a position they were looking to fortify. 

Photo Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports