The Pittsburgh Pirates acquired outfielder Chavez Young from the Toronto Blue Jays on Tuesday in exchange for right-handed pitcher Zach Thompson.
Young, 25, is a switch-hitter known for a strong arm and his ability to steal bases. A Bahamas native who was drafted in the 39th round by Toronto in 2016, Young slashed .234/.331/.351 with six doubles, two triples, five home runs and 21 RBIs last season in 65 games at Triple-A Buffalo.
Baseball America ranked Young the “best outfield arm” in the Blue Jays’ system from 2018-21. He had 20 or more stolen bases four times in six seasons in the minors, including 44 in 2018.
Young will be a non-roster invitee to spring training.
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Thompson, 29, was designated for assignment last Thursday when the Pirates signed veteran lefty Rich Hill. Thompson was 3-10 with a 5.18 ERA, 1.51 WHIP, 90 strikeouts, 46 walks and 19 home runs allowed in 121 2/3 innings over 29 games, including 22 starts.
Thompson was acquired in November 2021 from the Miami Marlins, along with minor-league outfielder Connor Scott and pitcher Kyle Nicolas, in a trade for Gold Glove catcher Jacob Stallings.
