Both of the Pirates' middle infielders filed for free agency, leaving holes at shortstop and second base.
On Wednesday, the Pirates might have found the answer to filling one of those vacancies by acquiring utility infielder Erik Gonzalez and two 19-year-old right-handed pitching prospects from the Indians in a trade for Jordan Luplow and Max Moroff.
Gonzalez, 27, spent his first full season in the major leagues this year, hitting .265/.301/.375 with one home run and three stolen bases in 81 games. He made 15 starts at second base, seven at third base, five at shortstop and one at first base.
Shortstop Jordy Mercer and second baseman Josh Harrison played what were likely their last games with the Pirates at the end of the past season. Gonzalez was stuck behind second baseman Jason Kipnis, shortstop Francisco Lindor and third baseman Jose Ramirez on the Indians' depth chart.
"Erik Gonzalez is an athletic middle infielder who plays solid defense and has the potential to be a productive hitter at the major league level," Neal Huntington said. "He gives us another quality option to play shortstop or in the middle of our infield (in 2019) and into the future."
Gonzalez made his major league debut in 2016 and played in 162 games for the Indians over three seasons, batting .263/.282/.389 with five homers. He also has been credited with three defensive runs saved in 668 2/3 innings.
The Pirates also received Tahnaj Thomas and Dante Mendoza, who both pitched in the Arizona Rookie League this year.
Thomas, a converted infielder from the Bahamas, did not have a decision in eight games while compiling a 4.58 ERA and 1.16 WHIP. Mendoza also had a 4.58 ERA while going 2-2 with a 1.42 WHIP in 10 games.
The 6-foot-4, 180-pound Thomas, according to Huntington, "possesses a quality frame, athleticism, clean delivery and arm strength to deliver a high-ceiling prospect."
"(Mendoza) brings many of the traits we like in young pitchers," Huntington said of the 6-5, 186-pounder.
Luplow hit .194/.274/.371 with six home runs in 64 games over the past two seasons. He made 21 starts in right field, 19 in left field and one in center field.
Moroff spent parts of the last three seasons with the Pirates, batting .193/.293/.331 with six homers in 84 games. He started 20 games at second base, 13 at third base and three at shortstop.