From Pittsburgh Pirates On SI · · 1m 40s
Pirates Catcher Forces Off-Season Shift
Rafael Flores Jr. emerges as Pirates' potential catcher leader after strong performance.
In brief
Rafael Flores Jr. emerges as Pirates' potential catcher leader after strong performance. Rafael Flores Jr. could become Pittsburgh Pirates' starting catcher by 2027 after outperforming Henry Davis in defense and offense. Originally reported by Pittsburgh Pirates On SI.
Pirates Catcher Problem
Pittsburgh Pirates may have a catcher problem.
Rafael Flores Jr. Performance
Flores went 4-for-4 with four singles and threw out two runners.
First Catcher Since 1999
Flores became first Pirates catcher since Jason Kendall in 1999 to record at least three hits and throw out two runners.
Pirates Lost Game
Pirates lost 5-1 but Flores showed developing into great catcher.
Henry Davis Defense
Davis has elite defense with 10 runs saved and 85.6 mph throws.
Davis Offensive Struggles
Davis hits .164 with .559 OPS and 53 OPS+ in 92 games.
Flores Hitting Form
Flores bats .440 in last seven games and .278 in last 15.
Flores Power Surge
Flores has seven home runs in last 30 games.
Flores Trade Background
Flores acquired with Edgleen Perez and Brian Sanchez in 2025 trade.
Pirates Catcher WAR
Pittsburgh ranks 21st in baseball with -0.5 WAR at catcher.
Pirates Offensive Turnaround
Pirates posted second-best team OPS in baseball with 109 wRC+.
Flores Starting Potential
Balanced catcher could push Flores into starting role by 2027.
Flores Next Challenge
Flores must prove he can command pitching staff over full season.
Flores Recent Success
Flores helped Ashcraft's complete game and Jones' no-hitter.
Pirates Offseason Decision
Pirates may have genuine catcher competition this offseason.
The takeaway
Rafael Flores Jr. could become Pittsburgh Pirates' starting catcher by 2027 after outperforming Henry Davis in defense and offense.
