Catcher Jacob Stalling is reportedly the latest Pirates player to attract the attention of other teams.
Audacy Sports insider Jon Heyman says that “teams are coming after Pirates catcher Jacob Stallings, a defensive stalwart.”
Stallings, who won a Gold Glove at catcher earlier this month, hit .246 with eight home runs and 92 hits with 53 RBI in 2021, is set to make $2.6 million in 2022 and is under the Pirates control through 2024.
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Heyman says, “Marlins and Yankees would fit. NYY has to decide by tomorrow whether to tender Gary Sanchez a contract.”
Should the Pirates keep him or trade him?
Stallings is a leader in the locker room and is a great catcher for the Pirates young pitchers to work with.
His defensive abilities are well-known and he is the Bucs best option behind the plate…for now.
On the other hand, if the Pirates are going to move Stallings, he probably won’t have a higher trade value than he currently does, coming off the Gold Glove. Also the Pirates are still in the middle of their rebuilding and will likely to continue to lose for at least a couple more seasons, so why not trade Stallings when you can get the most for him. Also, Stallings isn’t the Pirates catcher of the future, with Henry Davis making his way through the system.