The Colorado Rockies have reportedly traded left-handed relief pitcher Jalen Beeks to the Pittsburgh Pirates. In return, the Pirates will send another left-handed pitcher, Double-A prospect Luis Peralta, to Colorado. Mike Feinsand of MLB.com was the first to break this story. It’s the Pirates’ second major deadline deal.
The Rockies are trading LHP Jalen Beeks to the Pirates, per source. Colorado will receive Double-A LHP Luis Peralta.
— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) July 30, 2024
Pirates Trade for Veteran Rockies Relief Pitcher Jalen Beeks
Beeks, 31, is 6-4 with a 4.74 ERA, nine saves, and a 1.358 WHIP entering Monday’s action. He’s also blown seven saves. In 49 1/3 innings, he struck out 38 and walked 18. Beeks has been the Rockies closer of late, or at least the closest thing they have to a closer, as six Rockies pitchers have recorded saves in 2024. Of course, it’s been a dismal year for the Rockies, as they sit at 38-69 in last place in the National League West Division.
Currently, Aroldis Chapman is the lone lefty in the Pirates bullpen. With the news that fellow lefty Ryan Borucki has been slowed in his rehab and may not return this season, an urgent need for another left-hander suddenly emerged. While Beeks’ numbers aren’t eye-catching, what might have attracted the Pirates is the fact that he’s held left-handed batters to a .182 average in 2024. PNC Park favors left-handed pitchers as well with its deep left field. Leaving the hitter-friendly Coors Field and entering a Wild Card race may be what the doctor ordered for Beeks.
This is Beeks’ sixth year in the major leagues. He previously pitched two games for the Boston Red Sox before being dealt to the Tampa Bay Rays, where he toiled for five years. The Rockies selected him off waivers in November. He has a 4.43 ERA and 1.398 WHIP for his career while striking out 22 percent of batters and walking 9.1 percent. Beeks features a four-seamer, changeup, cutter, and curveball. The four-seamer averages 96.4 MPH.
Rockies Getting Minor League Pitcher Peralta
Peralta was not ranked among the Pirates’ top 30 prospects. The 23-year-old has spent six years in the Pirates’ minor league system. His career numbers aren’t impressive, but he appears to have figured it out. Across two levels in 2024, he has a 1.13 ERA and 0.983 WHIP.
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