​The Pittsburgh Pirates are aiming to bolster their roster depth before MLB Draft action with a trade that sends waves to both sides of the ball. In a deal with the Chicago White Sox, Pittsburgh will receive infielder Jacob Gonzalez and left-handed reliever Brandon Eisert, while sending to Chicago the Pirates’ No. 34 overall pick in this year’s draft, along with Triple-A pitcher Jaden Woods. Pirates general manager Ben Cherington has emphasized that Gonzalez adds valuable depth to the infield and fits into the team’s long-term plan, especially as the Pirates navigate the absence of Konnor Griffin.
“We believe in this group and explored multiple ways to leverage the comp pick to strengthen it,” Cherington said. “Jacob Gonzalez can complement Nick Gonzales and Jared Triolo on the left side of the infield in Griffin’s absence. He’s also a versatile left-handed hitter who has made meaningful progress this season, and we’re confident in his long-term potential.” The addition of Gonzalez is viewed as a strategic move to bolster the left side of the infield, providing insurance and flexibility as the team builds toward the future.
Cherington also highlighted the benefits this move brings to the bullpen. “Brandon Eisert makes us even deeper in left-handed relief,” he noted. Eisert’s arrival is expected to help stabilize a relief corps that has faced challenges this season, particularly in the later innings. While the Pirates have faced struggles with bullpen consistency, Eisert’s reported gains in walk rate and strikeout percentage this season hint at a potentially impactful contributor out of the bullpen.
Gonzalez, widely regarded as one of the White Sox’s top prospects, was selected in the 2023 draft. In the current season, he sits at No. 14 on Pittsburgh’s prospect list and has demonstrated notable upside through his first full season as a Major Leaguer. While much of his professional experience has come at first base in the majors, there’s an expectation that Gonzalez will line up at the opposite corner with Jared Triolo and Nick Gonzales when Konnor Griffin returns from the injured list. In the minors, the 24-year-old has spent the majority of his time at shortstop, underscoring his versatility and potential to contribute across infield positions.
This season with the White Sox, Gonzalez has posted a .244/.323/.360 slash line with 21 hits and 17 RBIs across 30 games, providing the Pirates with a high-upside, left-handed bat who can be molded into a versatile piece for the infield while contributing to the club’s longer-term plans.
Eisert, meanwhile, gives Pittsburgh another option in its bullpen, particularly from the left side. The Pirates have long sought improved depth in relief, and Eisert’s presence could help stabilize a pitching staff that has faced late-inning challenges throughout the season. Across 27 1/3 innings this year with Chicago, Eisert has compiled a 2-1 record, a 5.93 ERA, and 32 strikeouts. His walk rate, historically a point of concern for some relievers, has improved this season to 6.8%, which bodes well for his efficiency and matchups in critical situations.
The trade arrives at a moment when the Pirates appear to be leaning toward buying rather than selling as the season progresses. The organization’s moves reflect an intent to add competitive pieces that can help them chase postseason opportunities while also enriching their farm system with promising talent. By adding Gonzalez’s upside and Eisert’s bullpen versatility, Pittsburgh aims to create a more dynamic and resilient roster that can adapt to the demands of a rigorous schedule and a competitive National League landscape.
As the season continues into the latter half, the Pirates will look to integrate these players into their daily lineup and bullpen plans, with the expectation that Gonzalez’s infield versatility and Eisert’s left-handed relief presence will contribute to improved depth and strategic flexibility. The deal signals Pittsburgh’s willingness to invest in both the present and the future, balancing immediate needs with long-term potential as they navigate the 2026 campaign.