# Pirates Catcher Forces Off-Season Shift

> Rafael Flores Jr. emerges as Pirates' potential catcher leader after strong performance.
- Title: Pirates Catcher Forces Off-Season Shift | Shortify
- Summary: Rafael Flores Jr. emerges as Pirates' potential catcher leader after strong performance. Rafael Flores Jr. could become Pittsburgh Pirates' starting catcher…
- Keywords: rafael flores jr, pittsburgh pirates, henry davis, mlb, catcher, off-season, 2027, mlb pipeline, triple a, war, sports, Pirates
- Source: Pittsburgh Pirates On SI — https://si.com/mlb/pirates/onsi/pittsburgh-pirates-catcher-rafael-flores-jr-forcing-off-season-conversation
- Published: 2026-09-16T13:00:02+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: rafael flores jr, pittsburgh pirates, henry davis, mlb, catcher, off-season, 2027, mlb pipeline, triple a, war, sports
## 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.
## Key takeaway

Rafael Flores Jr. could become Pittsburgh Pirates' starting catcher by 2027 after outperforming Henry Davis in defense and offense.