BREAKING: Pirates Trading Carlos Santana to Brewers for 18-Year-Old SS

The first Pittsburgh Pirates’ trade domino has fallen. Ben Cherington has agreed to trade first baseman Carlos Santana to the Milwaukee Brewers, a source confirmed to Pittsburgh Baseball Now. 

In return, the Pirates will be getting minor league infielder Jhonny Severino.

Santana was added by the Pirates as a free agent this winter after signing a one-year $6.75M at the end of November.

In 94 games with the Pirates, Santana hit .235 with a .732 OPS to go along with 25 doubles, 12 home runs and 53 RBIs. Santana even stole six bases, the second-most in any season during his career.

The 37-year-old Santana also flashed strong defense at first base, where he played 85 games. Santana leads all major league first baseman with six defensive runs saved so far this season.

In return, the Pirates are acquiring the 18-year-old Severino who has appeared in 12 games in rookie ball for the Brewers’ organization in 2023.

In those 12 games, Severino has slashed .250/.289/.583 with two doubles, a triple, four home runs, 10 RBIs and five steals.

The Brewers signed Severino as an amateur free agent for a $1.23M bonus during last year’s cycle out of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.

At the time he was signed, Severino was considered to be the No. 21 international prospect available according to MLB Pipeline.

As for who takes Santana’s place on the 26-man roster remains to be seen. The Pirates return to PNC Park on Friday to host the Philadelphia Phillies.