Yankees Trade Catcher Francisco Cervelli To Pirates

The Yankees have parted ways with Francisco Cervelli, who is now off to Pittsburgh.

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The New York Yankees have announced a trade. They have sent Francisco Cervelli to the Pittsburgh Pirates, according to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports. The Yankees have received lefty reliever Justin Wilson in return from the Pirates.

Justin Wilson appeared in 70 games for the Pirates in 2014 with a 3-4 record and 4.20 ERA. He pitched 60 innings and allowed 28 earned runs with 61 strikeouts and 49 hits allowed.

Cervelli is 28 and has spent all of his time in the majors with the Yankees. He batted .301 with two homers and 13 RBI in 49 games this year. He also was suspended for 50 games in 2013 due to his involvement in the Biogenesis scandal.

The Pirates have also been trying to re-sign free agent catcher Russell Martin and have denied that the Cervelli trade has halted the talks between them and Russell Martin.

Although they have not given up pursuit of Martin, the Pirates are undoubtedly preparing for a future without him by acquiring Cervelli. The Pirates are looking for the next in line of former Yankee catchers to thrive in Pittsburgh as Russell Martin was very successful in his time in a Pirates uniform.

With Martin reportedly looking for a five deal worth $75 Million, the Pirates are hoping they can stretch their cash as much as possible. If the Martin deal does not work, the Pirates could possibly turn to a platoon role for Cervelli and someone like a John Buck or Ryan Doumit, two free agent catchers that have been productive but are free agents this year.

The Yankees on the other hand have their current catcher locked up for the near future, Cervelli became expendable.

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