Pirates 2026 season in review: Catchers

Austin Bechtold evaluates the Pittsburgh Pirates' catching unit following the team's 82-80 finish in 2026. While Henry Davis provided elite defense and threw out 45.9% of base stealers, he struggled offensively with a .172 batting average. Meanwhile, Rafael Flores Jr. emerged as a primary power threat, posting an .858 OPS with 11 home runs in 47 games, positioning himself as the probable starter for 2027.

Bechtold notes that Endy Rodriguez showed offensive promise with seven home runs in 45 games, but a severe hip injury requiring surgery leaves his catching future uncertain. Other appearances included Joey Bart, who was traded to the Atlanta Braves in June, and Shawn Ross, leaving Pittsburgh with upside alongside persistent roster questions.