Krall reveals the strategic back-and-forth that secured the Reds a hard-throwing reliever.
The Cincinnati Reds and Pittsburgh Pirates finally got a deal done that both sides had been working toward for a while, and Reds general manager Nick Krall shared some details on how it all came together.
Cincinnati acquired right-handed pitcher Kyle Nicolas from Pittsburgh in exchange for infielder Tyler Callihan, a versatile left-handed bat who had been in the Reds system.
Krall said the two clubs had been going back and forth on the deal for some time before it got across the finish line.
A Deal That Was a Long Time Coming
"We had worked around it for a while, and it was something we were able to finish yesterday," Krall said.
The Pirates had asked about Callihan in previous talks with the Reds, and Cincinnati had shown interest in Nicolas on their end as well.
That back-and-forth eventually led to a swap that gives Cincinnati a hard-throwing reliever who could slot into high-leverage situations, while the Pirates add a young bat who can play second base, third base, and left field.
What Nicolas Brings to Cincinnati
When asked about what the Reds are getting in the deal, Krall gave a pretty good picture of what Nicolas can do at the next level.
"It was a guy we can get who's a power arm and has a chance to pitch in the back of the bullpen," Krall said.
"We felt it was a move we had to make for now and the future."
Nicolas, 26, throws from the right side and has the kind of velocity that plays in late-inning situations, which is something Cincinnati could use as they look to build on a season where they went 83-79 in 2025.
He spent time with the Marlins and Pirates organizations before landing in Cincinnati, and the Reds front office hopes he can settle in as a high-leverage option out of the bullpen.
What Callihan Adds to Pittsburgh
For the Pirates, the move for Callihan adds a young bat to a team that went 71-91 last season and is looking to get back on track in the National League Central.
Callihan bats left and throws right, and his ability to play multiple positions on the diamond gives Pittsburgh some added flexibility as Spring Training rolls on and the regular season approaches.
The deal is a good example of how two division rivals can find common ground on a trade that works for both sides, with the Reds getting the power arm they had been eyeing and the Pirates landing a versatile bat they believe can help them right away and down the road.