The Toronto Blue Jays have traded utility player Isiah Kiner-Falefa to the Pittsburgh Pirates for Double-A outfielder Charles McAdoo. IKF has previously been highlighted as a legend for the Texas Rangers and played for the New York Yankees.
Double-A OF Charles McAdoo (No. 29 Pirates prospect, per @MLBPipeline) is going back to Toronto for Kiner-Falefa, per source.
— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) July 30, 2024
Blue Jays Utility Player Goes To Pirates
IKF and McAdoo
29-year-old utility player IKF was signed by the Blue Jays on December 27th, 2023, to a two-year $15 million contract. The Blue Jays originally signed him to replace Matt Chapman at third base. However, since he is a utility player, he was positioned at different spots in the infield. This season for the Blue Jays, IKF was a pleasant surprise. He amped the Blue Jays’ offense before going on the IL. He was sidelined with a knee injury back on July 2nd. Before going on the IL, he was sporting a .292 batting average with seven home runs and 33 RBIs. IKF is considered a controllable asset.
This is a reinforcing move for the Blue Jays, as McAddo was set to move up into the top 15 prospects for the Pirates. The former Pirates prospect is 22 years old and has experience as an infielder and outfielder. During the season, McAdoo recorded a .315 batting average, 14 home runs, 63 RBIs, and 17 stolen bases in High-A, also known as A+. In addition, he was sporting an OPS of .932.
He was drafted in 2023 in the 13th round. The Pirates will gain a veteran player with IKF; this is an uplifting trade for him. McAdoo is ranked as the Pirates’ number 12 prospect on Baseball America. It’s a positive trade offensively, and he will most likely be set up as a utility infielder with no guaranteed position spot. This is similar to IKF and will function well for the Blue Jays as he has surpassed his expectations with multiple upsides—for example, solid contact ability, smart swing decisions, and a strong exit velocity.
Main Photo Credits: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
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