Pirates and Padres Swap Pitchers in Minor League Trade

What Happened?

The Pittsburgh Pirates and San Diego Padres made a trade on August 3, 2026. Here’s the simple version: two right-handed pitchers switched teams.

1. Hunter Stratton goes from Pittsburgh to San Diego
2. Andrew Moore goes from San Diego to Pittsburgh

Important Point: Both pitchers were sent to Triple-A (the highest level of minor league baseball) by their new teams. This means they’re not on the big league roster yet, but they’re one step away.

Who Are the Players?

Hunter Stratton (Now a Padre)

• Position: Right-handed pitcher
• Previous Team: Pittsburgh Pirates
• New Team: San Diego Padres
• Status: Added to the Padres’ 40-man roster (the list of players eligible to play in the major leagues)

Andrew Moore (Now a Pirate)

• Position: Right-handed pitcher
• Previous Team: San Diego Padres (minor league system)
• New Team: Pittsburgh Pirates
• Status: Assigned to Triple-A Indianapolis (Pirates’ top minor league affiliate)

Why Does This Matter? (The Roster Puzzle)

Baseball teams have strict rules about how many players they can have. Here’s what the Padres had to do to make room:

The Padres’ Roster Moves (Step by Step)

1. Jason Adam (a Padres reliever) was on the 15-day Injured List (IL) — hurt but expected back soon
2. The Padres moved him to the 60-day IL — this means he’s out longer and doesn’t count against the 40-man roster limit
3. This freed up one spot on the 40-man roster
4. That spot now belongs to Hunter Stratton

Important Point: The 40-man roster is like a VIP list — only these players can be called up to the major leagues. Moving a player to the 60-day IL is a common trick to add someone new without cutting anyone.

What’s Next for Both Teams?

For the San Diego Padres

• Added Hunter Stratton to the 40-man roster
• Stratton starts at Triple-A El Paso (Padres’ top affiliate)
• Can be called up to the majors if needed
• Kept all their other 40-man roster players

For the Pittsburgh Pirates

• Received Andrew Moore (minor league depth)
• Moore assigned to Triple-A Indianapolis
• Freed up a 40-man roster spot (since Stratton was on theirs)
• Gained a young arm for their farm system

Important Details to Remember

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• No major league players were traded — both pitchers start in Triple-A
• Padres needed a 40-man spot → moved Jason Adam to 60-day IL
• Stratton has major league experience → Moore is minor league only
• Trade deadline context → This happened after the July 31 deadline (waiver trade)
• Both teams get pitching depth → Insurance for injuries or struggles

Summary

The Pirates and Padres swapped right-handed pitchers Hunter Stratton and Andrew Moore on August 3, 2026. Stratton (who has MLB experience) joins San Diego’s 40-man roster and starts at Triple-A. Moore heads to Pittsburgh’s Triple-A team. The Padres created roster space by moving injured reliever Jason Adam from the 15-day to the 60-day Injured List. Both teams added organizational pitching depth without losing any current major league contributors.

FAQ

What is Triple-A baseball?

Triple-A (AAA) is the highest level of Minor League Baseball — just one step below the Major Leagues. Players here are either developing prospects or experienced players waiting for a call-up.

What’s the difference between the 15-day IL and 60-day IL?

The 15-day IL is for shorter injuries — the player still counts on the 40-man roster. The 60-day IL is for longer injuries — the player comes off the 40-man roster, freeing a spot for someone else.

Why trade for a player who goes straight to Triple-A?

Teams trade for depth. Injuries happen. Struggles happen. Having experienced pitchers (like Stratton) ready in Triple-A means you don’t have to panic-sign someone or rush a young prospect.

Was this a "waiver trade"?

Yes! The MLB trade deadline was July 31. After that, players must pass through waivers (where other teams can claim them) before being traded. This was a post-deadline waiver trade.

Who "won" the trade?

It’s too early to say! Stratton has MLB experience (advantage Padres), but Moore might have more long-term upside (advantage Pirates). Most post-deadline trades are about roster flexibility, not blockbuster value.