Perrotto: Pirates GM Cherington Unconcerned About Position Needing Upgrade (+)

The New York Mets selected journeyman catcher Hobie Landrith with the first pick in the National League’s first expansion draft.

When asked why the Mets chose Landrith, legendary manager Casey Stengel said that having a catcher was a necessity because otherwise every pitch would roll to the backstop.

That is about the best thing that could be said about the Pittsburgh Pirates’ catchers this past season. The eight players the Pirates deployed at the position in 2022 – including “super?” utility player Josh VanMeter – combined for seven passed balls.

Otherwise, the catchers weren’t so great for a team that finished 62-100 for its second straight triple-digit loss season.