The Pittsburgh Pirates and Tampa Bay Rays agreed to a deal that would send first baseman Ji-man Choi to Pittsburgh in exchange for right-handed minor league pitcher Jack Hartman.
Choi has been with the Rays since the 2018 season and he put up great numbers with the team in the five seasons. He had a .245 batting average, .783 OPS, 52 homers, and 203 RBIs in his time in St. Petersburg. He adds depth to a much-needed position; the Pirates needed someone at first base and many are projecting him to be in Pittsburgh’s opening day lineup.
So, what is Tampa Bay getting?
Hartman is in the Pirates system and currently is at the Low-A level, playing for the Bradenton Marauders in 2022. In 18.2 innings, he had a 6.27 ERA with 19 strikeouts, 16 walks, and a 2.04 WHIP. He adds more ammo to the Rays’ already strong system in the pitching department.