Pittsburgh ? Benito Santiago was traded Thursday by the Kansas City Royals to the Pittsburgh Pirates, who have sought a veteran catcher since dealing Jason Kendall to Oakland last month.

On a busy day for the Royals, they also acquired outfielder-catcher Eli Marrero and cash from Atlanta for right-hander Jorge Vasquez.

The Royals received right-handed prospect Leo Nunez for Santiago, but also must pay about $1 million of Santiago’s $2.15 million salary in the second season of his two-year contract.

Santiago, a five-time All-Star and three-time Gold Glove winner, hit .274 with six homers and 23 RBIs in 49 games in 2004, but didn’t play after fracturing his left hand June 18.

The right-handed hitting Santiago is seventh in major-league history with 1,911 games caught and will pass Al Lopez and Jim Sundberg if he catches at least 18 more games.

The Pirates will be Santiago’s ninth team since he broke in with San Diego in 1986. He also has played for the Marlins, Reds, Phillies, Blue Jays, Cubs, Giants and Royals, hitting .263 in 1,972 games with 217 homers and 920 RBIs.

Nunez, 21, was 10-4 with a 3.06 ERA and three complete games for Class A Hickory in 2004.

Marrero, 30, hit .250 with 10 homers and 40 RBIs while splitting time in left field last season with Braves rookie Charles Thomas.

Vasquez, 26, made his major-league debut last season, giving up three runs in 31/3 innings in two games. He spent most of the season with Double-A Wichita, going 4-5 with a 4.68 ERA and 18 saves.