PIRATES TRADE: Joey Bart to Braves for Hunter Stratton

June 19, 2026 - 11:19

The Pittsburgh Pirates made a move Tuesday, sending catcher Joey Bart to the Atlanta Braves in exchange for right-handed reliever Hunter Stratton. The deal addresses Pittsburgh's need for bullpen depth while giving Atlanta a young backstop with potential.

Bart, 27, was the second overall pick in the 2018 draft by the San Francisco Giants. He joined the Pirates last year after being designated for assignment. In 2024, he appeared in 80 games for Pittsburgh, hitting .265 with 13 home runs and 45 RBIs. His production was solid, but the Pirates have a crowded catching situation with Henry Davis and Endy Rodriguez also in the mix.

Stratton, 28, has spent parts of two seasons with the Braves. He posted a 4.15 ERA over 34 appearances in 2024, striking out 38 batters in 34.2 innings. His fastball sits in the mid-90s, and he has shown the ability to miss bats. The Pirates hope he can provide stability in a bullpen that struggled at times last year.

For Atlanta, Bart offers a right-handed bat with power potential behind the plate. The Braves have been looking for catching help after Travis d'Arnaud's departure. Bart will compete for playing time with Sean Murphy and others.

The trade is a low-risk swap for both sides. The Pirates get a controllable reliever, and the Braves get a former top prospect who might still have untapped upside.