(Photo by Orlando Ramirez/USA Today Sports)

The Pittsburgh Pirates announced today that the team acquired infielder Jhonny Severino from the Milwaukee Brewers in exchange for Carlos Santana. 

The divisional rival Brewers currently lead the NL Central with a record of 57-46, but their spot atop one of the weakest divisions in baseball is not unchallenged. The Cincinnati Reds sit just 1.5 games behind the Brewers, who are hoping the addition of a big bat like Santana can keep them ahead of the Reds. 

The Brewers are also very happy to have brought in someone who has batted quite well against them this season. In six games versus the Brewers this season, Santana recorded two home runs and nine hits. 

With one of the biggest offensive threats now out of the Pirates lineup, the already struggling Pittsburgh offense will now have to look to the youth movement even more to step up, especially with potentially future departures like Ji Man Choi. 

Meanwhile at first base, the position now looks somewhat thin, with Choi (if he himself isn’t traded) likely to take over the starting role there, with Connor Joe possibly seeing time there as well.

Santana will be dearly missed as a Pirate. Prominently at first base, Santana was among the team’s leaders in production, and was on a home run tear during the team’s most recent west coast road trip, showing why they call him Slamtana. His 12 home runs was second to only Jack Suwinski for the team’s lead.

And perhaps even more valuable from Santana was something that you won’t see on any stat sheet. His energy and presence was a welcome bright spot on a Pirates team that has been straight up depressing since May. 

Santana earned himself a gracious spot among Pirates fans as his veteran presence and spirit helped keep the team together even amidst their bad play.

Through his brief, 94 game journey with the Pirates, Santana provided several memorable moments while in Pittsburgh. None, however, were more special than his walkoff home run against, of all teams, the Brewers, during a Pirates come from behind victory.

It was one of the happiest crowds PNC Park has seen in recent time, and we all will remember the dance that would become dubbed “The Santana Shuffle” he did on his way towards home plate.

Santana ends his days as a Pirate with a slugging percentage of exactly .412, a fitting end for him. 

With Cruz (when he returns), Gonzales, and others already logjamming the infield for the Pirates, the addition of yet another infielder might warrant some questioning. But Severino, at just 18 years old, is years away from seeing time in the majors. 

The kid currently is batting a .250 average in the Arizona Complex League. While only appearing in 12 games to this point, Severino has put up some impressive numbers, with 4 home runs and 10 RBIs in that short time. He also has 5 stolen bases. 

The Pirates have had an eye on him since he was signed last year, and now with a chance to bring him into their system and continue his development process, Pittsburgh felt they had to take it. 

An international signing by the Brewers in 2022, Severino has also gained praise from the scouts at Baseball America, who have noted his raw power no matter what side he is batting from, as well as having a keen eye and exceptional patience for someone of his age. 

Farewell, Slamtana! You will be missed.