The Yankees have traded catcher Chris Stewart to the Pirates, the team announced, for a player to be named later.
The move is a strong indication the Yankees are comfortable installing Francisco Cervelli (who returns from a 50-game Biogenesis suspension) or Austin Romine behind Brian McCann, who agreed to a five-year, $85 million contract to join the Bombers last week.
McCann was due to take a physical with the Yankees on Monday or Tuesday before finalizing the free-agent pact.
The Yankees also have been interested in acquiring catcher Ryan Hanigan from Cincinnati.
In Pittsburgh, Stewart will serve as the backup to Russell Martin, as he did for the Yankees in 2012.