Pirates trade idea lands Pittsburgh 12-year MLB veteran, two-time World Series champion as huge upgrade from Joey Bart

“This might not look like the sexiest trade proposal on paper, but a veteran catcher helping to lead the young Pittsburgh rotation would go a long way in helping a team on the rise reach the next level. The Pirates are currently rolling out the underperforming tandem of Henry Davis (40 PA, 81 OPS+, 0.1 WAR) and Joey Bart (26 PA, 41 OPS+, -0.2 WAR) behind the dish, and both former top prospects profile more as organizational depth than impact talent at this point. Meanwhile, Vázquez is enjoying a resurgent season playing on a one-year, $1 million deal after winning the backup catcher job as a non-roster invitee to Astros spring training,” Reuter wrote.

MORE: Reds trade idea sees Cincinnati replace T.J. Friedl as leadoff hitter, center fielder with $7.7 million All-Star MVP

So far this season, Vasquez is slashing .370/.393/.630/1.002 with four doubles, one home run, and nine RBI in eight games. His catching abilities would work wonders for Skenes and all the other Pittsburgh pitchers, and his hitting would be an upgrade from Bart and Davis’.

Another key thing he brings is his championship experience, as he’s got two rings to his name. For a team that’s leading their division, their roster lacks the experience of October baseball, and Vazquez could be the perfect guy to fill that void.

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