The Reds are in the process of selling their high Class A Sarasota affiliate to the Pirates, who would then relocate to their complex in Bradenton. The Reds would leave the Florida State League and take over the Pirates’ current Carolina League affiliate in Lynchburg.

Baseball America correspondent John Fay first reported the story on his blog, and Florida State League president Chuck Murphy has since confirmed it to me. Murphy said the move is for next season, and said the Bradenton ballpark is up to standard (noting Pittsburgh recently put in lights).

Murphy could not speak to how the Pirates’ could vacate their player-development contract with Lynchburg with a year remaining on the deal. (Hopefully I’ll have an answer on that shortly.)