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Pirates Trade 34th Pick for Gonzalez, Eisert, Cut Bonus Pool

7/12/2026

Summary

Pirates Acquire Gonzalez

The Pittsburgh Pirates acquired infielder Jacob Gonzalez and pitcher Brandon Eisert, trading the 34th pick and Jaden Woods.
Gonzalez, a 2023 15th-overall pick who can play shortstop or third, replaces shortstop Konnor Griffin, who tore a left-hand tendon on July 7, 2026.
Eisert posts a 5.93 ERA, 1.24 WHIP in 27.1 innings and limits left-handed hitters to .174/.255/.391.
The trade cut the bonus pool by $2,897,400, leaving $16,233,300 for the 2026 draft.

Summary

White Sox Trade Pick

The White Sox traded the No. 34 Competitive Balance Round A pick to the Pirates for immediate roster help.
Only Competitive Balance Round A selections may be exchanged under the MLB bargaining agreement, making the trade rare.
The deal was completed a day before the draft, an unusual timing for moving draft capital.
The Pirates used the compensatory slot, positioned between the first and second rounds, to fill short-term bullpen and infield needs.

History

Historical Context

The 2012 collective bargaining agreement, signed by Commissioner Bud Selig and the MLB Players Association, created Competitive Balance draft rounds—the only picks teams may trade. Pittsburgh’s 2024 swap of its No. 34 Competitive Balance Round A selection for Jacob Gonzalez and Brandon Eisert follows that rule, echoing later CBA changes such as the 2017 increase of revenue-sharing to 48%.

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Pirates Acquire Gonzalez

The Pittsburgh Pirates acquired infielder Jacob Gonzalez and pitcher Brandon Eisert, trading the 34th pick and Jaden Woods.
Gonzalez, a 2023 15th-overall pick who can play shortstop or third, replaces shortstop Konnor Griffin, who tore a left-hand tendon on July 7, 2026.
Eisert posts a 5.93 ERA, 1.24 WHIP in 27.1 innings and limits left-handed hitters to .174/.255/.391.
The trade cut the bonus pool by $2,897,400, leaving $16,233,300 for the 2026 draft.

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