Pirates, As Expected, Trade Vogelbach to Mets; Get Back Rookie Reliever

This was a trade rumor that turned out to be right on the money.

The Pittsburgh Pirates traded designated hitter Daniel Vogelbach to the New York Mets for rookie right-hander Colin Holderman prior to Friday night’s game with the Miami Marlins at PNC Park.

The deal came less than 24 hours after reports surfaced that the Mets were interested in Vogelbach. Pirates general manager Ben Cherington said the trade talks intensified Wednesday.

Holderman has pitched in 15 games for the Mets this season, going 4-0 with a 2.04 ERA. He has 18 strikeouts in 17 2/3 innings and not allowed a home run.

Holderman, 26, is expected to join the Pirates sometime during the three-game series with the Marlins that ends Sunday.

The 6-foot-7 Holderman made his major league debut May 15. He was the Mets’ ninth-round draft pick in 2016.

“We’re really excited to work with him,” Cherington said. “He’s already had some success in the major league and he’s someone who will come in and be part of our pitching staff now.”

Holderman will likely be used in low-leverage situations once he reports to the Pirates. Cherington, though, said he could envision Holderman moving into a high-leverage role eventually.

In his first season with the Pittsburgh Pirates, Vogelbach hit .228/.338/.430 in 29 games. The burly 29-year-old left-handed batter lead the team with 34 RBIs, and his 11 home runs ranked third.

The Pirates signed Vogelbach to a one-year, $1-million contract as a free agent March 15. He also has a $1.5-million team option for 2023 that can be bought out for $200,000.

The Pirates also activated outfielder Greg Allen from the injured list and designated catcher Michael Perez for assignment. Perez had been playing at Triple-A Indianapolis.