In a significant move to bolster their outfield, the Pittsburgh Pirates today announced the acquisition of Edward Olivares from the Kansas City Royals. The trade saw minor league outfielder Deivis Nadal heading to the Royals, marking a key exchange in the teams’ strategies.
Olivares, a 27-year-old outfielder, has been on a notable rise, establishing career-highs across multiple categories in the 2023 season. His performance with the Royals was impressive, batting .263 with 93 hits in 354 at-bats. His record includes 23 doubles, four triples, 12 home runs, 36 RBIs, 47 runs scored, and 11 stolen bases in 107 games.
The outfielder’s prowess was particularly evident in his home run statistics. Olivares averaged an impressive 416 feet on his 12 home runs during the 2023 campaign. This remarkable distance tied him for the fourth-longest average home run distance in the American League, trailing only behind prominent players like Matt Wallner, Shohei Ohtani, and Josh Donaldson. His achievement also placed him tied for ninth-best in the Major Leagues.
Olivares’ performance peaked in the final stretch of the season, hitting .329 with a .657 slugging percentage in 22 games during September and October. This exceptional performance led the American League in slugging percentage and ranked him third in batting average, only behind Yandy Diaz of Tampa Bay and Andres Gimenez of Cleveland.
Before joining the Royals, Olivares made his major league debut with San Diego in 2020, having been signed as a non-drafted free agent by Toronto in 2014. Over his career, he boasts an average of .261 with 35 doubles, five triples, 24 home runs, 73 RBIs, 15 stolen bases, and 94 runs scored in 230 games, covering his time with San Diego and Kansas City.
With Olivares’ arrival, the Pittsburgh Pirates have filled their 40-man roster, signaling a strategic move as they gear up for the upcoming season. Olivares’ addition is expected to bring a new dynamism to the Pirates’ outfield, complementing the team’s existing strengths and adding a significant depth to their offensive capabilities.
