Report: Pirates Re-Sign Catcher Tyler Heineman To Minor League Deal

Catcher has been an area the Pittsburgh Pirates have needed to address this offseason and they are bringing a familiar face back into the fold.

The Bucs are re-signing catcher Tyler Heineman, a baseball source confirmed. Heineman was designated for assignment by the club last month.

The deal is a minor league agreement tghat includes an invite to spring training.

The Pirates claimed Heineman from the Toronto Blue Jays during the 2022 season. The 31-year-old appeared in 52 games with Pittsburgh.

Heineman didn’t offer much at the plate, hitting just .211 with a .531 OPS and six extra-base hits — all of which were doubles.

He did, however, grade well defensively. Heineman was responsible for five defensive runs saved as a backstop last season and caught 32% of attempted base stealers.

As the Pirates only have one catcher currently on the 40-man roster — prospect Endy Rodriguez — they will still be on the hunt for more help behind the plate this winter.

Heineman will likely compete for a spot on the 26-man roster alongside another addition until the likes of Rodriguez and/or Henry Davis are called up to Pittsburgh.