While the Pirates trading for Chris Archer and Keone Kela at the trade deadline suggests their all in on contending, Pittsburgh continues to express the desire to dump salary. It will be interesting how they’ll be able to accomplish both goals this offseason.

Current State: Playoff Contender

Pirates Sign UTIL Lonnie Chisenhall

The Pirates have signed utility player Lonnie Chisenhall to a one year, $2.75 million contract. Chisenhall, 30, was solid for the Indians in limited action last season. In 84 at bats, he had a .846 OPS. The year before, in 270 at bats, he had an OPS of .881. In these two past seasons, Chisenhall has made significantly harder contact, and although it’s a small sample, he seems to have turned a corner offensively. Defensively, he can play both corner infield and outfield positions, although he’s been a below average defender in the outfield. Chisenhall provides outfield depth for a team that has none, and also provides some infield depth. He gives Pittsburgh flexibility they lacked, and although he’s not a game changer, he is a smart addition for just $2.75 million.

Grade: 9/10

Pirates acquire RHP Yordi Rosario and International Bonus Money in Exchange For SP Ivan Nova

The Pirates have shipped starting pitcher Ivan Nova out of town, sending him to the White Sox in exchange for pitching prospect Yordi Rosario and international bonus money. This trade is based on salary, as trading Nova clears $9 million in salary. For a small market team, that’s significant as it allows them to be able to use that money to bring in more productive players, as Nova never had an ERA below 4.00 with the Pirates. The 19-year-old Rosario is not a premier prospect by any means, but his age and high strikeout rates in the minors so far is enticing. Plus, it never hurts to add international bonus money. Shipping Nova gets rid of a consistent starting pitcher for Pittsburgh, but it’s worth it for the scary it clears u and the addition of a young prospect in Rosario.

Grade: 8.5/10

*Will Be Updated With Every Move The Pirates Make