Spring Training transactions are not uncommon, and the Pittsburgh Pirates just made one with a division rival team. They’ve sent hard-throwing reliever Kyle Nicolas to the Cincinnati Reds for utility prospect Tyler Callihan. Nicolas has appeared in parts of the last three MLB seasons with the Pirates. Meanwhile, Callihan was a noteworthy prospect in the Reds system who made his MLB debut in 2025. However, his season was cut short due to wrist surgery.

Pirates Send Hard-Throwing Reliever to Reds for Utility Prospect
Kyle Nicolas: a hard thrower with questionable control

The Pirates originally acquired Kyle Nicolas from the Miami Marlins. He was originally sent to Pittsburgh as part of a three-player package for 2021 Gold Glove catcher Jacob Stallings. He came alongside outfield prospect Connor Scott and right-handed starter/reliever Zach Thompson. Nicolas has had a very up-and-down MLB career.

The right-hander has tossed 98 innings since making his MLB debut in September 2023. In that time, he owns a 4.68 ERA, 4.10 FIP, and 1.48 WHIP. Nicolas has a respectable 22% strikeout rate. He also avoids quality contact, with a solid 7.5%-barrel rate and 0.73 HR/9 ratio. However, his inconsistent command has gotten in the way more than once. Nicolas has walked 12.2% of the opponents he has faced throughout his career.

There’s no question Nicolas has elite stuff. His four-seam fastball averages 97.4 MPH. He was in the 93rd percentile of fastball velocity last season, and his 93rd percentile extension makes it play up even more. His career FanGraphs Stuff+ comes in at 106. Unsurprisingly, FanGraphs Location+ doesn’t love his work, coming in at a meager 82.

Tyler Callihan: a slugging utility prospect with bad injury luck

In return for Nicolas, the Pirates are receiving infield/outfield prospect, Tyler Callihan. The former 2019 third-round pick got off to a scorching hot start at Triple-A last year. In 106 plate appearances, Callihan batted .303/.410/.528 with a 150 wRC+. He went yard four times in the small sample size as well. Callihan struck out at a mediocre rate, coming in at 27.4%. However, he drew plenty of walks with a strong 15.1% BB%. The Reds then called Callihan up at the end of April. However, it was a short-lived experience. Callihan suffered a forearm injury, crashing into a wall tracking down a flyball in left field during the first week of May. He would later undergo wrist surgery as a follow-up procedure.

Prior to getting traded to the Pirates, Callihan ranked as the Reds’ 19th-best prospect by Baseball America. He is a power-over-hit type of batter. Callihan is also a good runner, swiping 20+ bases in both 2023 and 2024. He also has experience all over the field. Last year, he saw playing time at second base, first base, and left field. However, Callihan also has over 500 innings at third base in the minor leagues.

The Pirates and Reds are mostly swapping depth-for-depth. Nicolas has a very uphill battle to make the Pirates’ Opening Day bullpen. Callihan, on the other hand, was one of multiple players on the Reds’ 40-man roster who can play multiple positions. Utility men like Nolevi Marte, Spencer Steer, and Matt McLain likely take priority over Callihan. Plus, the Pirates need some players with offensive upside, while the Reds can give Nicolas a better opportunity to make their bullpen.

 Main Photo Credits: Jordan Godfree-Imagn Images