Pirates' Ben Cherington Explains Trading for Tyler Callihan

PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Pirates have still kept making moves this offseason, trying to make the best roster they can before Opening Day.

The Pirates traded for Cincinnati Reds utility man Tyler Callihan, sending right-handed relief pitcher Kyle Nicolas in return on March 4, marking the first trade of Spring Training.

Callihan was an interesting trade piece, as Nicolas looked like he'd have a solid role in the Pirates bullpen in 2026, but instead, the Reds prospect will get a chance to impress, while stil

Pirates general manager Ben Cherington said that they've looked at Callihan for some time before making the trade and that he provides an important left-handed bat for the future of their infield.

Cherington also sees Callihan featuring at numerous positions and that they'll try to see where he fits best the rest of Spring Training.

"A guy we've had our eyes on for a while," Cherington said in a video from DK Pittsburgh Sports. "I think as we look at our infield group moving forward, over the next several years, we're a little bit more right-handed than left-handed in that group, so we've been looking to add a left-handed bat back into that group and Tyler was someone we've had our eyes on.

"I've been talking to Cincinnati, probably off-and-on, going back to last July and it just so happened to line up now. We're excited to get to know him better, believe in the bat. We know he can play second, probably take a look at third base here in Spring Training, see how that goes.

"He's a young outfielder that's got a lot of time ahead of him and comes in with a really good reputation as a person, as a teammate. So looking forward to get to know him.

How Callihan Features in the Pirates Defense

Callihan has played numerous positions throughout his time in the minor leagues, making himself a utility option for the Pirates if they need that.

He's featured mostly in the infield, specifically, but also at both corner infield spots and in left field too, which provides depth for the Pirates at that spot.

Callihan only played in four games with the Reds last season, starting three in left field, where he broke his forearm after colliding with the left field wall following making a catch in foul territory.

The Pirates already had Callihan start at second base in his Grapefruit League debut vs. the Detroit Tigers on March 7, but new addition Brandon Lowe should hold that role.