The Pirates introduced they’ve traded reduction pitcher Kyle Nicolas to the Reds for left fielder/second baseman Tyler Callihan. Each gamers had been on the 40-man roster, so there’s no corresponding transfer.
It’s a swap of gifted however largely unproven gamers between the NL Central rivals. Nicolas, 27, has the extra important MLB expertise of the 2. A second-round choose by the Marlins in 2020, he was traded to Pittsburgh as one in all two prospects the next yr for Gold Glove catcher Jacob Stallings. Nicolas was a beginning pitcher on the time however at all times projected to a bullpen future due to spotty command.
Nicolas debuted as a September call-up in 2023. The Ball State product has opened every of the next two seasons on optionally available task to Triple-A Indianapolis. Nicolas has posted below-average numbers on the MLB degree however stays an intriguing depth piece with huge stuff.
In 98 MLB innings, Nicolas carries a 4.68 earned run common. He has struck out a league common 22% of opponents whereas issuing walks at a lofty 12.2% fee. He cut up his time evenly between the majors and Triple-A final yr. Whereas he allowed practically 5 earned runs per 9 on the MLB degree, he posted a 3.79 ERA with a superb 31% strikeout fee towards minor league opposition. Nicolas walked greater than 12% of Triple-A opponents and has posted double digit stroll charges at nearly each cease of his skilled profession.
The command will in all probability hold Nicolas in center reduction. He’d have the uncooked stuff to pitch in the back of a bullpen if he can discover a method to throw extra strikes. Nicolas sits within the 97-98 mph vary along with his heater and has a pair of energy breaking balls: a 90-91 mph slider and mid-80s curveball.
He additionally makes use of his 6’3″ body to get down the mound and generate plenty of extension, although the lengthy levers have additionally seemingly held him again from discovering consistency in his supply. Nicolas commanded the ball higher down the stretch final season. He walked solely 8.4% of opponents whereas posting a 3.46 ERA in 26 innings after the All-Star Break. It’s a small pattern however maybe one thing to construct off as he tries to earn a everlasting bullpen spot.
Nicolas has just a little over one yr of service time. He’s at the very least two years away from arbitration and 5 years from reaching free company. He has one minor league choice remaining, so the Reds can ship him to Triple-A Louisville with out exposing him to waivers. Nicolas tossed two scoreless innings this spring earlier than becoming a member of Group Italy for the World Baseball Basic. (He’s from Ohio however has a household hyperlink to Italy that made him eligible to take part.)
Cincinnati doesn’t have a ton of roster flexibility within the bullpen, the place six of their relievers can’t be optioned. Graham Ashcraft has choices however is a lock to start the season within the late innings. Except the Reds transfer on from Sam Moll, they’d solely have one bullpen spot accessible between Nicolas, Luis Mey, Connor Phillips and Zach Maxwell. The latter 4 pitchers all have huge arms however include strike-throwing questions.
The Pirates subtract from their bullpen depth to take a flier on an intriguing hitter who hasn’t discovered a place. The 25-year-old Callihan was an overslot third-round signee out of highschool in 2019. Scouts have praised the lefty hitter’s offensive aptitude whereas panning his protection. The Jacksonville native has a profession .262/.332/.417 batting line over six minor league seasons.
Callihan’s efficiency within the low minors was just a little inconsistent. He has posted higher numbers as he’s climbed the minor league ladder. Callihan hit .271/.345/.413 in Double-A two seasons in the past and was out to a .303/.410/.528 begin over 24 Triple-A contests final yr. The Reds referred to as him up on the finish of April.
Sadly, Callihan didn’t get an opportunity to determine himself as a rookie. He suffered a grotesque damage simply six days into his huge league profession.
Callihan was taking part in left area towards the Braves on Might 5. Matt Olson hit a line drive that sliced away from him down the left area line. Callihan slid to attempt to catch the ball and was unable to brace himself earlier than hitting the wall along with his outstretched glove hand. The collision broke his arm and compelled him to endure season-ending surgical procedure. (Including insult to damage, Olson trotted round for an inside-the-park dwelling run as a result of Callihan had touched the ball in honest territory.)
That ended his debut marketing campaign after six at-bats, through which he collected his first profession hit and run batted in. Callihan entered Spring Coaching with none restrictions and has gotten into seven exhibition contests, going 2-9 with a house run.
Baseball America ranked Callihan the #20 prospect within the Cincinnati system over the offseason, whereas Eric Longenhagen of FanGraphs slotted him twenty ninth within the group. Callihan has improved his plate self-discipline and has above-average uncooked energy, however his strikeout fee has climbed within the higher minors.
He’s a below-average defender at second base who in all probability matches higher in left area or at first base. There are some similarities to final winter’s Spencer Horwitz pickup in that regard, although Horwitz had a for much longer observe file of hitting in Triple-A than Callihan does.
Callihan has lower than one yr of service and has two minor league choices remaining. He’ll battle for a bench job in camp however appears likelier to start the season in Indy. He can consider as a bat-first utility kind all through the season if he’s hitting nicely within the minors.
Respective photographs through Jordan Godfree and Sam Greene, Imagn Photographs.
