The New York Mets placed Marlon Byrd and John Buck on waivers and they are both now on their way to Pittsburgh after being claimed by the Pirates on Wednesday afternoon. Hello postseason?
The Pirates don't have a right fielder like Byrd in their roster. Jose Tabata has been the most productive player who's played right field, however, he does not provide pop. He's hitting a decent .281 with a .352 on-base percentage. Those numbers are great, but as far as production, Tabata only has 14 runs scored, three home runs and 13 RBI as a right-fielder. Travis Snider has played the most games in right field for the Pirates, but he's been a disaster. In 77 games as a right-fielder, Snider hit .224 with only 22 runs scored, two home runs and 17 RBI.
Rumors around baseball had the Pirates picking up a right-fielder before the conclusion of the non-waiver trade deadline. However, the Pirates stood pat and decided not to go after guys like Byrd or Alex Rios. Now, for a cheaper price, the Pirates went out and got help from one of baseball's biggest surprises of the year.
Byrd has been a revelation. Go ahead! Say it! You probably think he's still juicing. He's hit 21 home runs with 71 RBI, while hitting .285 and posting a .335 OBP in 117 games played this season. That's the most production he's had on offense since his days as a Texas Rangers where he hit 20 home runs and drove in 89 RBI.
Byrd gives the Pirates a power hitter, who can get on base. In his last 12 games, Byrd is hitting .327 with four home runs and 11 RBI. He's been producing for the Mets all season long and as the Pirates are now in second place, they hope Byrd can perform for them in the final month of the season. His 21 total home runs will immediately place him second in the Pirates behind only Pedro Alvarez, who has hit 31 HR in 2013. His 71 RBI will place him third in between Andrew McCutchen and Russell Martin.
With the move, the Pirates prove that they're serious about the 2013 postseason. They are trying to bring postseason baseball back to the city of Pittsburgh where they haven't savored October ball since 1992.
With Buck, the Pirates get a backup for Russell Martin, who has played 104 games this season. By getting Martin backup, the Pirates ensure they can keep him fresh for the postseason where he can provide his playoff experience.
