Don Kelly ‘Really Excited’ About Pirates’ Offseason Trade Acquisition

Don Kelly is eager to see how a significant offseason deal shakes out for his Pittsburgh Pirates.

The Pirates made their first big move by acquiring Jhostynxon García in a five-player trade with the Boston Red Sox. The 22-year-old outfielder could give Kelly’s lineup an immediate jolt in 2026.

Kelly discussed the trade with the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s Jason Mackey during the MLB Winter Meetings on Monday. Although he’s sad to lose starting pitcher Johan Oviedo, the manager is looking forward to García’s arrival.

“It stinks to lose a member of your starting rotation, but really excited about adding García, the big prospect from the Red Sox,” Kelly said. “He can play all three outfield (positions). Big time power and showed some speed as well.”

García worked his way up to the majors by batting .267/.340/.470 with 21 home runs and seven stolen bases at Boston’s Double-A and Triple-A affiliates. He received nine plate appearances during a short-lived MLB cup of coffee in late August, recording a double and two walks.

MLB.com’s No. 85 prospect joins five other Pirates in the top 100. Nicknamed “The Password” because of his hard-to-spell first name, García offers tantalizing athleticism with the ability to play center field or either corner outfield spot.

A crowded Red Sox outfield blocked García’s path to playing time, but he could have a chance to crack Pittsburgh’s Opening Day starting lineup. The Pirates’ outfielders collectively batted .221 with 50 home runs in 2025, and Andrew McCutchen led their right-handed hitters with 13 long balls.

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