Brewers trade Aramis Ramirez to Pirates

Hardball Times reporter Craig Calcaterra is reporting on Twitter that the Brewers and Pirates are nearing a deal that will send Aramis Ramirez to PIttsburgh. Details are unknown at this time.

Hearing Aramis Ramirez is going to Pittsburgh. If someone else had this before me, blame my kids. But it's happening.

— Craig Calcaterra (@craigcalcaterra) July 23, 2015

Aramis Ramirez is in the last year of his career as he has said he plans to retire. He makes about $5.9 million the rest of this season and started out poorly. His recent success is the only reason a move has been made possible. As such it's highly unlikely the Brewers get a notable prospect in return.

There was an interesting rumor earlier today that the Pirates were aggressively shopping Pedro Alvarez. It's just speculation but a swap of the two players would make some sense. Alvarez isn't a good defensive third baseman but the Brewers have had luck in the past helping defensively weak players (Mark Reynolds, Adam Lind). He would be under control next year (Arb 3) and there is no one else in the system that offers the upside he would at third base.

The Brewers are sending money to the Pirates as well. In exchange, they will receive pitcher Yhonathan Barrios.

Third baseman Aramis Ramirez and cash considerations have been traded to Pittsburgh in exchange for minor league RHP Yhonathan Barrios.

— Milwaukee Brewers (@Brewers) July 23, 2015

Barrios is a 23-year-old right-handed reliever who advanced to Triple-A for the first time this season. In 33 minor league games this year, Barrios has a 2.68 ERA and 4.7 K/9. Milwaukee will send him to Double-A Biloxi for now.

The Brewers also announced that David Goforth was called up to take Ramirez's roster spot.