Pittsburgh Pirates

Pirates Acquire Ron Marinaccio, DFA Dennis Santana

Pirates Acquire Ron Marinaccio, DFA Dennis Santana

Key Questions

What trade did the Pirates complete for bullpen help?

The Pirates acquired reliever Ron Marinaccio from the Padres in exchange for signing bonus pool considerations. They also designated Dennis Santana for assignment as part of the move.

Why was Dennis Santana designated for assignment?

Santana regressed after a strong 2025 season, prompting the Pirates to seek immediate bullpen upgrades. The team has blown 19 saves this year and showed urgency to address the issue.

Who is Ron Marinaccio and what does he add to the Pirates?

Marinaccio is a reliever acquired to provide bullpen depth. The move signals the front office's focus on stabilizing a struggling relief corps.

How does this move reflect the Pirates' strategy?

The transaction shows the Pirates are willing to make tough roster decisions to fix their bullpen quickly. It follows the DFA of a 9-year veteran after completing the trade.

What was the outcome for the Pirates' roster after the trade?

The Pirates added Marinaccio while removing Santana from the roster. This was announced as a notable move on Thursday afternoon to address ongoing relief pitching concerns.

The Pirates added bullpen depth by trading for Ron Marinaccio from the Padres and designating Dennis Santana for assignment. Santana's regression from a strong 2025 season prompted the move, which signals the front office's urgency to fix a bullpen that has blown 19 saves.

Sources (3)
Updated Jul 24, 2026
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