Pirates Trade for Ji-Man Choi

Yinzer Crazy Pirates Contributor Baron Dionis

The offseason has officially started with the Pirates acquiring 1B Ji-Man Choi from the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for RHP Jack Hartman. 

Ji-Man Choi, 31, has been acquired by the Pirates to be the first baseman next season. Choi has two years left on his contract and is entering his eighth season in the MLB.

In 2022, Choi batted .233 with 11 HR, 52 RBI, .341 OBP, .388 SLG, 115 wRC+, and 1.3 WAR. His average is not outstanding, but his power numbers and ability to draw walks make up for it. He is also a big pull hitter so the banned shift next season could help Choi improve his batting average. 

Jack Hartman, 24, was drafted by the Pirates in the fourth round of the 2020 MLB draft. Hartman threw in 22 games with Bradenton this season out of the bullpen. Hartman had Tommy John Surgery in December, 2020.

In 2022, Hartman threw 18.2 innings and went 0-1 with a 6.27 ERA, 19 K, 16 BB, 2.04 WHIP, and 5.61 FIP. Not a good year for Hartman at all, but now has an opportunity to rebound with a new team.

A good trade for the Pirates as they got their first baseman for next season without giving up a top prospect.

The Pirates also made multiple cuts on the roster to reinstate players from the 60-day IL. The following players have been reinstated: Canaan Smith-Njigba, Colin Holderman, Yerry De Los Santos, Blake Cederlind, and Max Kranick. In addition, the following players have been removed from the 40 man roster: Peter Soloman, Beau Sulser, Jason Delay, Blake Cederlind, Eric Stout, and Zack Collins. Eric Stout and Zack Collins have become free agents. The rest have been outrighted to AAA.