After being designated for assignment on Thursday, the Pirates traded RHP Zach Thompson to the Toronto Blue Jays Tuesday afternoon in exchange for minor league outfielder Chavez Young.
Thompson was 3-10 last year with a 5.18 ERA in 121 innings with both the Pirates’ rotation and bullpen. He was DFA’d on Thursday to make room for LHP Rich Hill, whom the Pirates signed to a one-year deal.
Young, 25, was the Blue Jays’ 39th round pick in 2016 and owns a lifetime .266 batting average in the minor leagues. Last year, he appeared in 65 games with the Buffalo Bison, Toronto’s Triple-A affiliate. He slashed .234/.331/.350 with six home runs and 22 RBIs.
While he hasn’t established himself offensively, Baseball America says Young had the best outfield arm in the Blue Jays’ system. He’s also known for his base stealing ability as he swiped 119 bases since being drafted.
Young will be a non-roster invitee to Spring Training.
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