Yanks on the verge of trading Chris Stewart to the Pirates

The Pittsburgh Pirates are on the verge of acquiring catcher Chris Stewart from the Yankees, reports ESPN's Buster Olney. Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com reports that the Pirates will be sending the Yankees either cash or a player to be named later.

Stewart was one of a few players up for non-tenders today by the Yankees, and he, along with Jayson Nix, were expected to be non-tendered before tonight's 11:59pm ETS deadline. After signing Brian McCann last weekend, there is no more need for Stewart on the Yankees with Francisco Cervelli and Austin Romine likely to battle for the backup job next season.

Stewart provided solid defense for the Yankees and was considered one of the best pitch-framers in the league. His offense, however, was not so good, and his .211 average with one homerun in 2013 was one of the reasons why the Yanks have no place for him.

The Pirates already have Russell Martin locked up for next season, meaning that Stewart would likely serve as his backup, just he did for the Yanks in 2012.

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