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Credit: AP

Yankees trade Chris Stewart

Credit: AP

The New York Yankees have traded catcher Chris Stewart to the Pittsburgh Pirates, according to FOX Sports’ Ken Rosenthal. Jon Heyman of CBS Sports reports that the Yanks will receive either cash or a player to be named later.

Stewart, 32, is a non-tender candidate after hitting 211/.293/.272 with four homers and 25 RBI in 340 at-bats, by far the most of his career. Stewart was asked to carry a heavy load after Russell Martin signed with Pittsburgh after 2012 and Francisco Cervelli was injured and ultimately suspended. Stewart started 98 games behind the plate, with 51 being his previous high with San Francisco in 2011.

Although not an offensive-minded backstop, Stewart is known around the league for his stellar defense. He thew out 31% of would-be basestealers in 2013; the league average was 26%. The departure of Stewart means that the backup catcher spot will be up for grabs when spring training begins in February. J.R. Murphy, Austin Romine, and Cervelli – who is expected to be tendered a contract – will all be in the mix, barring an unforeseen trade. Newly acquired Brian McCann will get the majority of innings behind the plate.

Stewart finishes his Yankee career with a line of .221/.293/.287 with five homers and 38 RBI in 164 games over two seasons. Even though it was never officially announced, he became the personal catcher for CC Sabathia. Stewart’s ability to stymy baserunners and handle a pitching staff will be missed.