OLIVARES OFF TO PITTSBURGH
The Pittsburgh Pirates acquired outfielder Edward Olivares from the Kansas City Royals for infielder Deivis Nadal.
What does it give the Pittsburgh Pirates
Olivares had a career year with the Royals during the 2023 campaign. He showcased the speed (11 SB) and power (12 HR) combination that could be intriguing if he could ever solidify an everyday role in the outfield (or as a designated hitter). The Pirates might be the team that is willing to give him that opportunity in 2024.
What does it give the Kansas City Royals
With some of the Royals' recent free-agent signings, outfield/designated hitter at-bats were going to be hard to come by for Olivares in KC. Instead of having a log jam, the Royals decided to trade him for a young prospect early in his development. Nadal played at the Single-A level in 2023 but hit just .212.
Fantasy impact
If Olivares can build off last season and carve out an everyday role in the Pirates outfield, he could become a great sleeper pick in the later rounds. He has the potential to be a 20/20 player (20 HR and 20 SB) with enough playing time. As for Nadal, speed is his best asset as he stole 33 bases in 37 attempts in 2023. Keep an eye on him in the coming years.
