The Pirates acquired minor-league outfielder Chavez Young from the Blue Jays Tuesday in exchange for Zach Thompson.

Young, 25, will be a non-roster invite to spring training next month. 

A former 39th round pick by the Blue Jays in 2016, Young has steadily risen through the farm system thanks to his defensive skills and speed. Baseball America ranked him as having the best arm of any Blue Jay outfield prospect every year since 2019, and has racked up 33 outfield assists during that time.

On the basepaths, he has stolen at least 20 bases each of the last four seasons, including going 20-for-21 on steal attempts last season at Class AAA. He maxed out at 44 steals in Class A ball in 2018.

Based on a scouting report sent to DK Pittsburgh Sports on Young, he's a defense over offense player. The switch-hitter slashed .234/.331/.350 with five home runs and 21 RBI in 65 games for Class AAA Buffalo last season. The report said he had fourth outfielder upside.

Young would likely have to usurp one, if not multiple, outfielders currently on the Pirates' 40-man roster in order to get a major-league opportunity with his new club since the club already has plenty of depth at the position. While he is a switch-hitter, he has generally hit right-handers better.

Thompson was designated for assignment last week to make room on the roster for Rich Hill. He went 3-10 with a 5.18 ERA over 29 appearances with the Pirates last season, 22 of which were starts.

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