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Change has been a constant in the Ben Cherington era when dealing with the major league roster, and a change of plans became a major factor in Tyler Anderson’s new home for the remainder of the 2021 season.
After initial reports suggested that a deal was in place between the Pittsburgh Pirates and Philadelphia Phillies for the 31-year-old left handed starter, a closer look at one of either Cristian Hernandez or Abrahan Gutierrez’s medicals coming back to Pittsburgh drew red flags, shifting the Bucs focus to find a new destination for Anderson.
The initial completion of the deal first turned heads after Anderson was seen throwing in the Pirates bullpen, still sporting his Bucs gear after reportedly being dealt.
What in the world. So Tyler Anderson, wearing Pirates gear, is throwing in the bullpen.
— Jason Mackey (@JMackeyPG) July 27, 2021
In walks the Seattle Mariners, a team in the news earlier in the night for trading closer Kendall Graveman in their own division to the first-place Houston Astros, sparking discernment within the locker room for a team nine games over .500 at the time of the deal.
Just before the clock struck midnight on July 27, the Mariners changed course, reaching an agreement with the Pirates for Anderson pending physicals, according to ESPN’s Jeff Passan.
The Seattle Mariners are finalizing a deal to acquire left-hander Tyler Anderson from the Pittsburgh Pirates, sources tell ESPN.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) July 28, 2021
The Pirates thought they had a deal today for Anderson with Philadelphia, but it fell through on medical review. Seattle went and got him instead.
Ryan Divish of the Seattle Times first reported that two prospects are going back to the Pirates, one being 22-year-old catcher Carter Bins. The Pirates later announced the full deal being Bins, as well as right-handed pitcher Joaquin Tejada.
TRADE: We have acquired C Carter Bins and RHP Joaquin Tejada from the Mariners in exchange for LHP Tyler Anderson.
— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) July 28, 2021
In 51 games between A+ and AA this season, Bins has compiled a .244 average with eight home runs and 42 RBI, recording 42 free passes and 67 strikeouts. Bins was solid in A+-ball before being promoted, slashing .284/.422/.493 with a .915 OPS in 148 at-bats spanning 40 games.
Only 18, Tejada was assigned to the DSL Mariners on July 10 and has only pitched five innings. He ranked 29th by Baseball America in a deep Mariners system.
I like the early jumps Tejada has made. Encouraging for an 18-year-old given his path. Ranked 29th by Baseball America, which isn't nothing considering Seattle's farm system is very good.
— Jason Mackey (@JMackeyPG) July 28, 2021
During his lone season in the black and gold, Anderson recorded a 4.35 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, and 5-8 record, striking out 86 and walking 25 in 103 ⅓ innings, pitching at least five innings in all 18 starts.
Anderson was scheduled to pitch Tuesday night against the Milwaukee Brewers but was scratched from his start earlier in the day.