The Atlanta Braves have strengthened their catching depth by acquiring Joey Bart from the Pittsburgh Pirates in exchange for right-handed pitcher Hunter Stratton.
The trade, completed on June 18, addresses roster needs for both organizations. Atlanta adds an experienced catcher with major league experience, while Pittsburgh receives a bullpen arm as it continues to seek additional right-handed pitching depth.
Bart had been recovering from a foot infection that was discovered during a rehabilitation assignment with Triple-A Indianapolis in May. Before the setback, he was considered a candidate for a return to the major league roster. The catcher has posted a .259 batting average this season, along with two home runs and six RBIs.
The move also helps resolve a roster situation for the Pirates, who faced decisions regarding their catching depth. With multiple catchers competing for roster spots, Pittsburgh opted to move Bart rather than create further congestion within the organization. The club still retains three catchers on its 40-man roster following the transaction.
For the Pirates, the acquisition of Stratton provides another option in the bullpen. The 29-year-old pitcher has appeared in one scoreless inning in Major League Baseball this season and owns a career ERA of 3.75 across 69.2 innings at the big-league level.
At Triple-A Gwinnett this year, Stratton recorded a 4.38 ERA in 21 appearances while striking out 24 batters in 24.2 innings. Pittsburgh hopes his experience and ability to generate strikeouts can strengthen the club’s relief corps as the season progresses.
The deal represents a fresh opportunity for Bart with his hometown-region Braves, while the Pirates add a pitcher they believe can contribute valuable depth to their bullpen during the remainder of the campaign.