News - Catcher Joey Bart Sparks Trade Interest Amidst Pirates' Depth

In a strategic pivot, the Pittsburgh Pirates have recalibrated their trade intentions with the Houston Astros following the acquisition of designated hitter Marcell Ozuna on a one-year, $12 million contract. This move has effectively put a damper on previous discussions centered around trading for Astros third baseman Isaac Paredes. As reported by Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, these trade talks have gradually waned and gone quiet. Intriguingly, during these negotiations, catcher Joey Bart emerged as a key piece potentially moving to Houston in exchange for the two-time All-Star Paredes. Joey Bart's journey has been one of transformation. After a period of unmet expectations during his tenure with the San Francisco Giants, Bart found his footing with the Pirates, emerging as an effective part-time player. Over the last two seasons, Bart has achieved a .745 OPS and a 110 wRC+ in 173 games, indicating his offensive prowess. Although his defensive metrics aren't stellar, they remain serviceable, especially given his offensive output. His accumulated 2.6 fWAR across consecutive seasons places him among the top 25 catchers in the league since 2024. The Pirates, despite Bart’s contributions, find themselves in a position to potentially part ways with him. Pirates General Manager Ben Cherington has expressed confidence in former top prospects Henry Davis and Endy Rodríguez, along with rookie Rafael Flores Jr., in assuming primary catching duties. While Cherington acknowledges the need to maintain depth, the team's roster limitations suggest an impending decision. It's plausible for the Pirates to retain Bart and send Davis, Rodríguez, and Flores to the minors, yet trading Bart remains a viable path. The Astros' need for a fortified catching squad provides a fitting context for these discussions. Following Victor Caratini’s departure to the Twins, Houston's roster is devoid of depth, with starters like Yainer Diaz and backup César Salazar, plus non-roster invitee Carlos Pérez, offering limited experience and reliability. Diaz, responsible for most of the defensive innings, clearly requires a more seasoned backup. In addition to the Astros, other teams like the Rays, who missed out on J.T. Realmuto, and the Red Sox, seeking to upgrade their catching roster, also represent potential landing spots for Bart. Set to earn $2.53 million in his second arbitration-eligible year, Bart will remain a controllable asset through 2027, amplifying his attractiveness on the trade market.