The Pirates' Catching Conundrum: Trading for a Star or Unlocking Potential?
The Pittsburgh Pirates have a decision to make regarding their catching situation. Earlier this month, rumors swirled around their interest in acquiring Astros third baseman Isaac Paredes. But here's where it gets intriguing: those trade talks included discussions about catcher Joey Bart as part of the package. And this is the part most fans might have missed—Bart's name is still in the mix for future trades.
Bart, once a highly-touted prospect with the San Francisco Giants, found his groove with the Pirates. In the last two seasons, he's been a solid contributor, boasting a .745 OPS and a 110 wRC+ in 173 games. His defensive skills might not be exceptional, but they're adequate, especially when paired with his above-average offense. With 1.3 FanGraphs WAR in consecutive seasons and a total fWAR of 2.6, he's established himself as one of the top catchers in the game since 2024.
Despite Bart's value to the team, the Pirates have the luxury of considering a trade. General Manager Ben Cherington believes that former top prospects Henry Davis and Endy Rodríguez, along with rookie Rafael Flores Jr., can handle the primary catching duties. Cherington's challenge will be deciding how long he can maintain this depth before making a move. With four catchers on the roster, a trade seems inevitable.
The Astros, who recently lost catcher Victor Caratini to the Twins, could still be a potential destination for Bart. Their current catching duo of Yainer Diaz and César Salazar may not be enough, especially with Salazar's underwhelming stats and Diaz's limited starting experience. The Astros could benefit from a more seasoned backup.
Another suitor could be the Rays, who were in the market for a catcher after missing out on J.T. Realmuto. Even the Red Sox, at one point, were looking to strengthen their catching position. With Bart's salary set at $2.53MM for his second year of arbitration and team control through 2027, he's an attractive option for any team seeking catching depth.
The question remains: should the Pirates trade Bart, or is he the key to their future success? The team's decision will undoubtedly spark debates among fans and analysts alike. What do you think? Is Bart a trade chip or the cornerstone of the Pirates' catching future?
