The Pittsburgh Pirates have a catcher problem heading into the 2026 offseason.
The Pittsburgh Pirates could have a catcher dilemma this offseason between Rafael Flores Jr. and Henry Davis.
Flores, who is the rookie catcher, is playing at a high level through 39 games. He is slashing .275/.336/.508 with eight home runs, four doubles, 19 RBIs, 14 runs, and an .844 OPS. The 25-year-old is proving he should be considered an option at catcher for the Pirates.
However, he has also seen time at first base, as his defense is a question mark. The other option for Pittsburgh at catcher is former number one overall pick Henry Davis. Davis has established himself as one of the best defensive catchers in baseball, but his bat has struggled.
In 92 games in the 2026 season, he is slashing .164/.264/.295 with nine home runs, five doubles, 35 RBIs, 30 runs, and a .559 OPS.
His bat is adding minimal value, but he has been an exceptional defensive catcher and is the personal catcher for star starter Paul Skenes.
IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters ConnectThere is a third catcher who could be in the mix, as Endy Rodriguez is hitting Arbitration this offseason. Rodriguez had a solid season in 45 games in 2026, hitting .263/.373/.467 with seven home runs, six doubles, 20 RBIs, 20 runs, and an .840 OPS. Rodriguez is out for the remainder of the season with a torn labrum in his left hip.
The reality for the Pirates is that all three of these catchers will likely factor into the roster in the 2027 season. Davis will continue to provide elite defense and be the starter when Skenes is on the mound, while Rodriguez and Flores can be quality bats in the lineup.
Pittsburgh is seven games back in the NL Wild Card standings and will likely miss the playoffs once again. The Pirates were closer to ending their playoff drought in 2026, but didn't have enough to do it.
If Pittsburgh can make a few offseason additions, they will have a legitimate shot at making the playoffs for the first time since 2015.
One of the Pirates' problems this offseason will be a good one, as they have to determine which of their catchers will see playing time.
