The Pittsburgh Pirates are open to moving backstop Joey Bart. With Henry Davis set to be the Bucs’ primary backstop, and both Rafael Flores and Endy Rodriguez on hand, they can afford to move on from Bart. Bart has been a solid bat since he was acquired at the start of the 2024 season. Over 614 plate appearances, the former second overall selection owns a .745 OPS, .331 wOBA, and 110 wRC+. The downside is his defense has been lackluster, with -10 defensive runs saved and -4.3 framing runs.

The Houston Astros have emerged as a team interested in Bart’s services. While a swap between the Pirates and Astros that sends third baseman Isaac Paredes back to Pittsburgh is possible, it seems the Pirates are open to moving Bart, even in a deal that doesn’t involve Paredes or any other noteworthy Pirates players. If the Pirates trade Bart on his own to the Astros, what sort of players could the Pirates get back?

Astros Prospects the Pirates Should Target in a Non-Isaac Paredes-Centered Trade for Joey Bart.
Alonzo Tredwell

Alonzo Treadwell was the Astros’ second-round pick in 2023. The right-hander was selected out of UCLA. Last year, he worked as both a starter and reliever, pitching to the tune of a 3.69 ERA, 3.87 FIP, and 1.30 WHIP over 100 innings. The right-hander had a strong 28.6% strikeout rate and only had a 0.81 HR/9 ratio. Tredwell’s walk rate clocked in at 10.5%. He started his year at A-Ball and made his way to Double-A by the end of the season.

Tredwell stands at an intimidating 6’8”, 230-LBS. However, he doesn’t throw as hard as you’d expect from someone that size. His fastball sits low-90s and tops out at 95. However, his high arm slot creates a pitch that plays beyond its velocity. His best breaking offering is an upper-70s curveball. He’ll also mix in a slider and splitter.

Tredwell is ranked as one of the Astros’ top 25 prospects. 2026 will be his age-24 season, and he should start the year at Triple-A. After the Pirates traded both Johan Oviedo and Mike Burrows, they should consider adding some near-MLB-ready pitching talent. He could be an option for the Pirates’ pitching staff sometime in 2026 if they acquired him.

Lucas Spence

Lucas Spence is an outfielder the Astros signed as an undrafted free agent. Spence signed for $150K out of Southern Illinois-Edwardsville, where he worked as a two-way player. The outfielder got his first extended look in pro ball last year, and batted .244/.368/.403 with a 123 wRC+. He showed off modest power, with ten home runs over 509 plate appearances and a .159 isolated slugging percentage.

Spence struck out at a 24% rate, but his biggest strengths were getting on base and using his speed. He walked at a healthy 14.3% clip and went 27-for-32 in stolen base attempts. That plus speed also gives him range in the outfield. Overall, he has an above-average glove and is suited to play all three outfield spots. Spence also has a powerful outfield arm, since he was a two-way player in college.

The left-handed hitter projects as a strong-side platoon outfielder. Both MLB Pipeline and Baseball America rank Spence among the Astros’ top 15 prospects. As of right now, the Pirates only have two primary outfield prospects among their top 20. That includes Esmerlyn Valdez and Edward Florentino. Adding another outfield prospect wouldn’t be a bad idea.

Shay Whitcomb

Shay Whitcomb was a fifth-round pick by the Astros in 2020. He has developed into a potential bat-first utility man. Whitcomb has MLB experience, but it consists of only 78 plate appearances. In that time, he has 13 hits, including a home run, 18 K’s, and five walks. However, he has shown plenty of talent at the Triple-A level.

Last year, Whitcomb batted .267/.360/.509 with 25 home runs over 439 plate appearances. He has consistently been a power-speed threat and went 16-for-18 in stolen base attempts. Whitcomb put up an 11.1% walk rate and 25.6% strikeout rate. While Whitcomb’s hit tool is the most questionable part of his game, he did put up a career-high 85.7% in-zone contact rate. Whitcomb ended his Triple-A season with a 122 wRC+.

It would be easier to tell you what positions Whitcomb can’t play. He started games at all four infield positions, along with both outfield corners. He isn’t considered a particularly strong defender, but he can move around wherever needed. Whitcomb could immediately provide depth at multiple positions, especially at third base, where the Pirates have very few options.

 

Main Photo Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images