When a franchise is careening toward a 100-plus loss season, there are no shortage of deficiencies at both the major- and minor-league level. The Pirates’ busted rotation — and seemingly busted pitching development pipeline — justifiably get most of the attention. But there’s also a serious concern with the other end of the battery.
One year after boasting one of the most productive catching tandems in the game, the Pirates are patching together a time-share at the top level with Jacob Stallings and Elias Diaz. Neither one of those guys necessarily profiles as an everyday option — and if you’re looking for reinforcements on the farm, it could be a while.