Pirates Acquire Infielder Jacob Gonzalez from White Sox in Draft-Eve Trade

The Pittsburgh Pirates have made a significant move just hours before the 2026 Major League Baseball Draft, acquiring infielder Jacob Gonzalez from the Chicago White Sox. The trade also involves left-handed pitcher Jaden Woods heading to Chicago, while the Pirates receive left-handed pitcher Brandon Eisert.

This deal sees the Pirates send their Competitive Balance-A round pick, currently slotted at No. 34 overall, along with Woods, to the White Sox. In return, Pittsburgh gains Gonzalez, who was ranked as the White Sox’s No. 28 prospect, and Eisert.

Por que importa

Pirates General Manager Ben Cherington expressed confidence in the team’s decision to strengthen the present roster. “We believe in this team, and we discussed multiple ways to use the compensation pick to strengthen it,” Cherington stated in a press release.

The acquisition of Gonzalez is expected to provide immediate impact, particularly with the recent injury to outfielder Konnor Griffin, who could be sidelined until mid-September or the remainder of the season. Gonzalez has already seen action with the White Sox big-league club this season, appearing in 30 games and posting a .244 batting average with a .323 on-base percentage and a .360 slugging percentage. His performance in Triple-A over two seasons has been even more impressive, with an .882 OPS.

Contexto

Cherington highlighted Gonzalez’s potential to complement the existing infielders. “Jacob Gonzalez can complement Nick Gonzales and Jared Triolo on the left side of the infield in Konnor Griffin’s absence,” he explained. “He’s also a versatile, left-handed hitter who has taken significant steps this season, and who we believe in long-term.”

On the pitching front, Brandon Eisert adds depth to the Pirates’ left-handed relief options. Eisert has pitched in 25 games, including four starts, this season, recording a 5.93 earned run average and a 1.24 WHIP. His strikeout rate stands at an impressive 27.4 percent (80th percentile) with a 31.2 percent whiff rate (88th percentile). “Brandon Eisert makes us even deeper in left-handed relief,” Cherington added.

The Pirates will need to make a corresponding 40-man roster move to accommodate the new additions, with an announcement expected at a later time.

Key facts

This trade underscores the Pirates’ strategy to address immediate roster needs by leveraging their draft capital, signaling a commitment to improving their big-league team’s performance in the current season.

Source: Pirates, White Sox Make Trade Ahead of 2026 MLB Draft – https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/pirates-white-sox-trade-ahead-051024285.html