Yankees Trade Jose Pirela to the Padres

Jose Pirela (AP Photo)

The Yankees made their first trade of the offseason Wednesday, trading infielder Jose Pirela for pitcher Ron Herrera.

With the emergence of Rob Refsnyder and Dustin Ackley during the 2015 season there simply was no room for Pirela who was once thought to be the second baseman of the future.

Pirela made a few appearances with the Yankees over the past two seasons, but his numbers in the big leagues did not open any eyes.  The 25-year-old batted just over .250 with the Yankees.  His numbers with Triple-A Scranton are most likely what interested the Padres.  Pirela batted .325 with three homers and 23 RBI in 2015.

Pirela will have a shot at the 2016 roster, but most likely be in the Padres’ minor league system until injuries strike their starters.

In return, the Yankees picked up a 20-year-old righty who spent the majority of 2015 in Double-A.  Although his numbers did not impress he already has pitched in 82 minor league games, 74 of them being starts.  In his young career, he is 23-24 with a 3.80 ERA.  He is expected to begin 2016 in Double-A as well.