Pirates Q&A: On the Hook for Suwisnki? Which Catcher Will Play the Most?
Welcome back to another edition of our Pittsburgh Pirates Q&A. Let’s get to your questions.
Do the Pirates still have to pay the [$1.25M] million [Jack] Suwinksi got in arbitration? – Tim Plummer
The answer to this question is that it depends. If Suwinski goes unclaimed or a trade is not worked out with another team, he will be outrighted off the roster and the Pirates will be on the hook for his full salary since MLB contracts are fully guaranteed.
If Suwinski gets claimed by someone, his new team will pay his salary. The same goes for if he’s traded, though the Pirates could choose to provide salary relief for their trade partner.
The decision to tender a contract to Suwinski for $1.25 million was always a bit puzzling to me since this was always the likeliest outcome.
Are the Pirates going to get a third baseman? – @nailersburgh24
I’ll admit, I’m a bit more skeptical now than I was even a few weeks ago. Are they still trying? Yes. But since the best possible upgrade would come via trade, the Pirates, at this point, might have to take a chance on a player hoping to realize his full potential with a change of scenery.
Given that their goal is to make the postseason this year, that doesn’t seem like a great route to go. That’s something they should have done two, three or four years ago when it was clear they were still rebuilding.
I think the Pirates should continue to try but only for a player at least somewhat proven at the big-league level. Otherwise, the best option could be starting Jared Triolo at the hot corner and Konnor Griffin at short or Nick Gonzales until the uber prospect is ready.
What is Cutch’s current status? Will the Braves pick him up? Will the Pirates sign him to take Suwinski’s spot? Who is talking? What was said to Cutch and when by the Pirates organization? Hearing Cherrington say Cutch will always be a Pirate when he wasn’t on the roster with the only explanation being they are looking to Win. Ugh. – Robin White
Barring something completely unforeseen, Andrew McCutchen will not be playing for the Pirates in 2026. They already have too many designated hitter-types on the roster and adding one more who is 39 isn’t smart business, no matter how popular of a player he is in Pittsburgh.
McCutchen has been adamant about playing next season. It’s somewhat unfortunate to know that it will have to be with another team. To be honest, I feel like McCutchen got a raw deal, but the Pirates are putting winning over sentiment and I can’t totally fault them for that.
The Braves seem like one of the better fits to me. There are others, too, but I’m sure McCutchen will want to go somewhere he feels he can win.
Which catcher sees the most time behind the plate this year? (If the answer isn’t Henry Davis I will be disappointed) – Joe Migas
I have goof news for you, Joe. The answer is indeed Henry Davis. Unless the Pirates trade Joey Bart, I think he and Davis will be the two catchers on the Opening Day roster. Davis will be behind the plate for the opener as the personal battery mate of Paul Skenes.
Bart will get playing time, and could get more early in the season. But Davis did such a good job handling the staff last year I think he’ll emerge as the primary catcher.
I also wouldn’t be surprised if Davis took a step forward at the plate. I’m not saying he’ll suddenly become a 30-homer, .900 OPS-type, but I think his numbers could be at least respectable.
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