BREAKING: Pirates Trade Quinn Priester to Red Sox for Nick Yorke

The Pittsburgh Pirates and Boston Red Sox have swapped former first-rounders. The Pirates are trading right-handed pitcher Quinn Priester to Boston in exchange for infield/outfield prospect Nick Yorke, a source confirmed to Pittsburgh Baseball Now.

Yorke was drafted by the Red Sox with the 17th pick in the 2020 draft from high school in California. Across four minor-league seasons, Yorke has slashed .277/.359/.437 with 71 doubles, 11 triples, 48 home runs and 214 RBIs in 370 games played.

The 22-year-old has been playing well since he was promoted to Triple-A Worchester in June. In 38 games with the Red Sox top minor-league affiliate, Yorke carries a .310/.408/.490 batting line with eight doubles, six home runs, 19 RBIs and six steals in 38 games.

In the field, Yorke has spent the majority of his career at second base but has started to see time in left field this season. With the Pirates’ need for outfield help, Yorke is expected to continue to see time in the outfield grass along with second base, according to a source familiar with knowledge of the deal.

“Nick has been a strong offensive performer and versatile defender in the minor leagues,” said Pirates General Manager Ben Cherington. “We are excited to add him to our upper level position player group.”

Baseball America has Yorke rated as Boston’s No. 14 prospect in their updated organizational list. Yorke will report to Triple-A Indianapolis.

In order to acquire Yorke, the Pirates dipped into their starting pitching depth. Priester made 10 appearances/six starts with Pittsburgh in 2024 and went 2-6 with a 5.04 ERA. Across parts of two seasons in the big leagues, Priester posted a 6.46 ERA in 20 appearances/14 starts.

The Pirates selected Priester in the first round of the 2019 draft out of high school in Chicago, Ill.

Priester was moved to the bullpen, where each of his last four appearances have come from. The Pirates’ current starting rotation consists of Paul Skenes, Mitch Keller, Martín Pérez, Marco Gonzales and Luis Ortiz. Additionally, the Pirates have Bailey Falter set to return from injury and rookie Jared Jones working his way back from a late injury.

The deal between the Pirates and Red Sox is pending physicals.

Its’ the first trade executed by Cherington leading up to this year’s trade deadline. The 2024 deadline is set for Tuesday at 6 p.m. ET.