The Pittsburgh Pirates tonight acquired infielder Jacob Gonzalez and left-handed pitcher Brandon Eisert (pronounced “EYE-sert”) from Chicago (AL), in exchange for left-handed pitcher Jaden Woods and Pittsburgh’s Competitive Balance-A round (No. 34 overall) selection in the 2026 First-Year Player Draft.
“We believe in this team, and we discussed multiple ways to use the compensation pick to strengthen it,” said Pirates General Manager Ben Cherington. “Jacob Gonzalez can complement Nick Gonzales and Jared Triolo on the left side of the infield in Konnor Griffin’s absence. He’s also a versatile, left-handed hitter who has taken significant steps this season, and who we believe in long-term.”
The 24-year-old Gonzalez, who was selected by Chicago out of the University of Mississippi in the first round (No. 15 overall) of the 2023 First-Year Player Draft, hit .244 (21-for-86) with four doubles, two home runs, 17 RBI, eight walks and 11 runs in 30 games with the White Sox (his first career stint in the majors).
Gonzalez, who was rated by both Baseball America (No. 16) and MLB Pipeline (No. 22) as a top-25 prospect in the White Sox’ system at the time of the trade, batted .320 (64-for-200) with 12 doubles, 19 home runs, 63 RBI, 33 walks, eight stolen bases, a 1.097 OPS and 43 runs in 53 games with Triple-A Charlotte this year.
He ranked second in the International League in RBI and tied for fifth in home runs at the time of the trade.
“Brandon Eisert makes us even deeper in left-handed relief,” Cherington said.
The 28-year-old Eisert has gone 2-1 with a 5.93 ERA (27.1ip/18er) and 32 strikeouts over 25 outings (four starts) with Chicago this season. He ranked sixth among left-handed relief pitchers in the American League in appearances (69) and eighth in strikeouts (73) with the White Sox during the 2025 season.
Eisert, who was originally selected by Toronto out of Oregon State University in the 18th round of the 2019 First-Year Player Draft, has gone a combined 5-9 with two saves, a 4.77 ERA (103.2ip/55er) and 108 strikeouts over his 100 Major League games (seven starts) with Toronto (2024) and Chicago (2025-26).
Corresponding moves to Pittsburgh’s 40-man roster will be announced at a later time.
