Pirates Looking for Defensive Catcher

According to the Pittsburgh Post Gazette, Pirates general manager Ben Cherington has his eyes on acquiring a catcher this offseason, specifically a defensive-minded one with upside.

While Cherington says the team is interested in signing a catcher, he does not rule out acquiring one via trade. Rob Biertempfel of the Athletic reports that no one on the current Pirates roster, a list that includes Starling Marte and Chris Archer, is untouchable via trade.

The Pirates’ lack of depth in their catching system, as well as their interest in acquiring a catcher, makes them a trading match for the Mets who simultaneously have expressed interest in Starling Marte. 

The Mets’ catching system is highlighted by 18-year-old top-100 prospect Francisco Alvarez, who finished his 2019 season with the Kingsport Mets.

Along with Alvarez, the Mets system includes Ali Sanchez, their 17th best prospect according to MLB Pipeline, and current MLB backup Tomas Nido, both that can fill the need of an up-and-coming defensive-first type of catcher the Pirates are looking for.