The Pittsburgh Pirates have acquired left handed reliever Antonio Bastardo from the Philadelphia Phillies, in exchange for prospect Joely Rodriguez.
Bastardo, 29, struck out 81 batters in 64 innings this past season for Philadelphia, posting a 3.94 ERA.
The Pirates coveted Bastardo at the trade deadline and have been on the hunt for a left handed and right handed reliever in recent days. The team thought it had a deal in place with 34 year old Pat Neshek today before the Astros upped their offer and landed Neshek. Neshek told MLB.com he was “seconds away” from signing with the Pirates before the Astros upped their offer to Neshek, agreeing to a two year, $12.5 million contract. The Pirates offered Neshek a two year, $10 million contract.
The Pirates have altered their philosophy in showing a willingness to spend on relievers this off-season
Bastardo made $2 million in 2014 and is arbitration eligible.