2026 Transactions: Pirates Trade for Marinaccio, DFA Santana

Amidst what has been a shaky run for the Pirates’ bullpen, the club has attempted to make external acquisitions over the past few weeks. First, it was Brandon Eisert, who was acquired alongside Jacob Gonzalez on MLB Draft day. Now, Ron Marinaccio becomes the latest addition.

Pirates make moves

The Pirates made two bullpen-related moves on the 23rd, as recently DFA’d reliever Ron Marinaccio was acquired in a trade with the San Diego Padres. Pittsburgh agreed to send over future considerations for the reliever.

Marinaccio, who previously pitched with the Yankees and Padres, struck out 38 batters over 47 innings and conceded nine home runs with San Diego.

As a corresponding move, Dennis Santana was designated for assignment. It’s been a precipitous fall from grace for Santana, who was the Pirates’ best high-leverage option out of the bullpen for much of 2025. But over 41.2 IP with the Pirates, Santana walked 21, allowed eight home runs, and posted an ERA north of 6.00.

Santana quickly fell down the depth chart, as Gregory Soto picked up save opportunities early in the 2026 season.

Recalls & options

Adam Macko and Davis Schneider (Blue Jays) were recalled from Triple-A.

Sean Keys (Blue Jays), Eduardo Rivera (Red Sox), Noah Murdock (Pirates), Spencer Jones (Yankees), Josh Walker (Orioles), Jesse Scholtens (Rays), and Johnathan Rodriguez (Orioles) were optioned to the Minors.

Other moves

The Blue Jays claimed outfielder Rudy Martin Jr. off waivers from the Orioles. Baltimore picked up a catcher, as Yohel Pozo was claimed from the Cardinals and immediately optioned to Triple-A.

Nationals pitcher Justin Lawrence was sent outright to Triple-A Rochester.

The Phillies released pitcher Jackson Rutledge.