Marlins, Pirates swap prospects Trevor Williams, Richard Mitchell

The Miami Marlins and the Pittsburgh Pirates made an unusual prospect-for-prospect trade Saturday, the Fish sending right-handed pitcher Trevor Williams north to the privateers in exchange for right-handed pitcher Richard Mitchell. Here is a quick scoop.

Richard Mitchell, RHP: Mitchell is a 20-year-old right-hander signed by the Pirates out of Colombia in 2011. Listed at 6-2, 185, he pitched out of the bullpen for the Gulf Coast League Pirates in 2015, posting a 3.38 ERA in 21.1 innings, with a 14/9 K/BB and 20 hits allowed. He had spent the 2012, 2013, and 2014 seasons in the Dominican Summer League.

Mitchell isn't a huge guy but he has some liveliness to his body and can hit 91 MPH; it is possible he could throw harder in time, especially when used in the bullpen. At this point he has the basic rookie ball pitcher talent profile as a guy with a decent arm who may or may not develop.


Trevor Williams, RHP: Williams has a larger prospect profile than Mitchell, being a second round pick in 2013 from Arizona State University. He spent 2015 with Double-A Jacksonville (4.00 in 117 innings, 88/36 K/BB) and Triple-A New Orleans (2.57 in 14 innings, 13/7 K/BB). He was projected to open 2016 in Triple-A with a chance for major league promotion to Miami in the second half if he pitched well for New Orleans. His timetable with the Pirates should be similar.

Listed at 6-3, 230, the 23-year-old Williams features a fastball that tops in the low-90s to mix with a curve, slider, and change-up. He throws strikes and is durable but none of his pitches project as outstanding or overpowering. His best attributes are control and durability, giving him a shot at being a fourth or fifth starter.

This video of Williams dates back to college but the general idea is still the same.