Milwaukee Brewers Deal Aramis Ramirez to Pittsburgh Pirates

Photo Credit: Morry Gash/Associated Press

The Pittsburgh Pirates have reunited with Aramis Ramirez, acquiring the third baseman from the Milwaukee Brewers. The Brewers will receive prospect Yhonathan Barrios in the deal, according to multiple reports.

This is the second of many moves that will take place before the trade deadline, coming after the Scott Kazmir trade that sent the southpaw to Houston.

Ramirez began his now 18-year career in Pittsburgh and was a big contributor in the early 2000s. However, he was later traded to the Chicago Cubs in his sixth season; coincidentally he was dealt 12 years ago on this day. His best year came in 2001, where Ramirez hit .300 with 34 home runs and 40 doubles. He will now become the team’s starting third baseman with Josh Harrison currently on the disabled list.

Though he is not in his prime, Ramirez is still a viable option at third base. In 81 games the 37-year-old is batting .247 with 11 home runs and 42 RBI.

On the other hand, the Brewers will acquire a right-handed reliever in Yhonathan Barrios. Barrios has pitched exceptionally well in Double-A, but since his promotion to Triple-A, his ERA has seen a huge increase. The 23-year-old holds a 2.68 ERA over 20 appearances. But, in 13 games at Triple-A, Barrios has a 4.60 ERA and a 1.72 WHIP.

This is nothing more than a salary dump for the Brewers, as Ramirez will become a free agent at the end of the year. The Pirates will pick up the rest of his $14 million dollar contract in hopes of the acquisition helping their playoff push, as they sit first in the Wild Card and six games behind the NL Central-leading St. Louis Cardinals.

Meanwhile, the Brewers are 18.5 games out and are looking to unload even more at the trade deadline, with names including outfielder Carlos Gomez linked to trade discussions.