The Pittsburgh Pirates are facing a tricky decision regarding their catcher, Joey Bart, in the upcoming 2026 season. But here's the catch: how do you handle a player who excels with the bat but struggles with the glove?
Since joining the Pirates in 2024, Bart has been a consistent offensive powerhouse, boasting a 110 wRC+ - a stat that measures offensive production, where 100 is considered average. This is an impressive feat, especially considering his previous struggles with the San Francisco Giants, who drafted him as the second overall pick.
However, the Pirates' dilemma lies in Bart's defensive abilities, or lack thereof. In 2025, Henry Davis, the team's No. 1 overall pick, took over the starting catcher role. While Davis' batting performance was underwhelming, his defense and rapport with the pitching staff were undeniable. The numbers speak for themselves: Davis led the team to a 39-35 record with a 2.87 ERA when he was behind the plate, compared to Bart's 26-50 record and 4.73 ERA.
This is where it gets controversial: should the Pirates bench a player with superior offensive skills for one who excels defensively? Conventional wisdom suggests that backup catchers should be strong defenders, but Bart's offensive prowess is hard to ignore.
The Pirates have two paths forward. One option is to teach Bart to play first base, a position he has never played professionally despite his defensive shortcomings. This move would not only mitigate his defensive liabilities but also ensure his powerful bat stays in the lineup, especially against left-handed pitchers, whom he has dominated (.941 OPS).
The other choice is to trade Bart. Teams like the Red Sox, Rays, Padres, and Astros are in the market for a catcher, and a trade could bolster the Pirates' pitching depth. This would also create an opportunity for Endy Rodriguez and Rafael Flores, both superior defensive catchers, to compete for the starting role.
The Pirates must decide whether to transform Bart into a versatile contributor or trade him for much-needed assets. What would you do in their shoes? Is it worth sacrificing defense for offense, or should they prioritize the catcher-pitcher dynamic? Share your thoughts in the comments!
