MLB Trade Rumors, really good news site but their analysis on the Pirates worst position seem to be way off the mark. The Pirates biggest problem was not right field.

It is understandable though. Many writers trying to keep up with all the teams, sometimes they just go by the stats with out digging into the team.

As Pirates fans we should KNOW the biggest problem with the Pirates was/is catcher. The catching position was manned by Francisco Cervelli, Elias Diaz and Jacob Stallings not counting Steve Baron who played just 17 innings. Their combined fWAR was -0.4 with no real hope in sight. Jacob did post some pretty favorable marks and is in line to be the starter in 2020 but honestly he is a backup who can start for extended periods if called on. There is nothing in the minors that looks to be a quality option any time soon.

Right field was pretty horrible as well. Gregory Polanco, Lonnie Chisenhall, Corey Dickerson (LF but relevant) all hurt the majority (or all) of the time force a mostly mashed up outfield. They don’t need to make any adds in the OF really, maybe a one year deal on someone cheap if Marte is traded or just go with Osuna.

Very much less of a problem than right field.

Add on to the options available currently the Prospect class is pretty strong.

As it stands now, a short term third basemen is needed more than the outfield.

Long story short the Pirates need a catcher both in the MLB and in the minors.