Pirates Trade Kyle Nicolas to Reds for Tyler Callihan

The Pittsburgh Pirates have traded relief pitcher Kyle Nicolas to the Cincinnati Reds in exchange for left fielder/second baseman Tyler Callihan. Both players were on their respective 40-man rosters, so no additional roster moves were required.

Kyle Nicolas (Reds)

Kyle Nicolas, 27, brings more significant MLB experience to the Reds. A second-round pick in 2020 by the Marlins, he joined Pittsburgh in 2021 as part of a package for catcher Jacob Stallings. Originally a starting pitcher, he was projected for a bullpen role due to command inconsistencies.

He debuted in MLB in September 2023 and has begun the subsequent two seasons on optional assignment to Triple-A Indianapolis. In 98 MLB innings, Nicolas holds a 4.68 earned run average, with a 22% strikeout rate and a 12.2% walk rate.

At Triple-A last year, he posted a 3.79 ERA with a strong 31% strikeout rate, though walk rates remained over 12%. His arsenal includes a fastball sitting at 97-98 mph, a 90-91 mph slider, and a mid-80s curveball.

While command has been a consistent issue for Nicolas, he showed promising improvement in the latter half of last season, posting an 8.4% walk rate and a 3.46 ERA over 26 innings after the All-Star Break.

Nicolas has over one year of service time and one minor league option remaining, positioning him at least two years from arbitration and five from free agency. This spring, he pitched two scoreless innings and represented Team Italy in the World Baseball Classic.

Tyler Callihan (Pirates)

Tyler Callihan, 25, was an overslot third-round signee in 2019, noted for his offensive potential. His career minor league batting line stands at .262/.332/.417 over six seasons.

Callihan demonstrated improved performance as he advanced through the minor leagues, hitting .271/.345/.413 in Double-A and starting last year with an impressive .303/.410/.528 over 24 Triple-A games.

His MLB debut in late April was cut short by an arm injury just six days in, requiring season-ending surgery. In his six big league at-bats, he recorded his first career hit and RBI. He entered Spring Training this year without restrictions, going 2-9 with a home run in seven exhibition contests.

Tyler Callihan, a former top-30 Reds prospect, brings offensive potential with improved plate discipline and above-average raw power, though his defensive limitations point towards left field or first base.

Ranked as the #20 prospect in the Reds system by Baseball America and #29 by FanGraphs, Callihan is noted for his improved plate discipline and above-average raw power. However, his strikeout rate has increased in the upper minors. Defensively, he is considered below-average at second base, with left field or first base being more suitable positions.

Callihan has less than one year of service time and two minor league options remaining. He is expected to begin the season in Triple-A Indianapolis.