Red Sox trade minor-league slugger Brentz to Pirates

The J.D. Martinez signing in Boston caused its first ripple effect.

The Red Sox traded minor league outfielder Bryce Brentz to the Pittsburgh Pirates for cash considerations, the Red Sox announced Tuesday.

Brentz, 29, in out of minor-league options and will try to win a job at spring training camp with the Pirates.

Brentz, originally picked in the first round (36th overall) of the 2010 MLB draft, was an International League All-Star in 2017 and hit 31 home runs with 85 RBI for Boston's Triple-A affiliate.

Despite 127 career HR in the minors and two brief MLB stints with the Red Sox in 2014 and 2016 (.287, 1 HR, 9 RBI in 90 plate appearance), Bruntz's path to the majors became much more difficult once the team signed Martinez to a five-year, $120 million deal on Monday.

To make room for Bruntz on Pittsburgh's 40-man roster, the Pirates moved pitcher Nick Burdi to the 60-day disabled list.

--Field Level Media