The Mets are sending outfielder Marlon Byrd, catcher John Buck and cash to the Pittsburgh Pirates for a minor league infielder Dilson Herrera, 19, and a player to be named later, a source confirmed.
The Mets like Herrera’s youth, overall game and believe he can be a starting second baseman one day.
Byrd, the 35-year-old enjoying a resurgent season, batting .285 with 21 home runs in his first season with the Mets, was claimed on waivers earlier in the day.
Buck, 33, opened his first season with the Mets hitting nine home runs in April, but the veteran hasn’t hit more than two homers in any month since. Buck had been pushed to a backup role since the Mets called up top catching prospect Travis d’Arnaud on Aug. 17. Buck will play behind former Yankees catcher Russell Martin in Pittsburgh.
The Pirates are looking to solidify its first playoff berth in 21 years and are currently 1/2 game behind the Cardinals for first place in the NL Central.