Pittsburgh Pirates acquire Marlon Byrd, John Buck from New York Mets

Aug 26, 2013; New York, NY, USA; New York Mets right fielder Marlon Byrd (6) is congratulated by third baseman Wilmer Flores (4) after scoring a run against the Philadelphia Phillies during the second inning of a game at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

The Pittsburgh Pirates made what could wind up being a very move Tuesday afternoon. The Pirates acquired outfielder Marlon Byrd and catcher John Buck in a trade with the New York Mets.

In return, the Mets received infield prospect Dilson Herrera and a player to be named later.

The Pirates are in the midst of an excellent season and trail the St. Louis Cardinals by a half-game in National League Central.

With 24-year old leadoff hitter Starling Marte on the disabled list, the Pirates needed someone to replace his production. Marte is batting .282, has an OBP of .343 and is slugging .443. He has 11 home runs and 33 RBI.

The 35-year old Byrd is having a fantastic season. He’s batting .285/.330/.518 and has 21 home runs and 71 RBI in 117 games for the Mets this season.

Buck, 33, is batting .215/.285/.367 with 15 home runs and 60 RBI.

Clearly, the Pirates wanted to add some power.

Herrera, a 19-year old second basemen, is batting .265 with 11 homers at Class A West Virginia this season.

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