Off-Season Successes and Regrets Thus Far for the Pirates

Extending Chris Stewart:  

There should be something said for a back-up catcher who just produces when given an opportunity. Chris Stewart is such a catcher, so the Pirates rewarded him with a three-year contract extension in the off-season.

Chris Stewart is never going to be player who warrants the headlines, but he has been a solid player for the Pirates over the last few years and already this year.  

For years the Pirates struggled with catchers, specifically backup catchers, but Stewart has filled that hole since coming here in December of 2013.  In his 2014 and 2015 season he hit around .290 for the Pirates while giving them average defense and above average pitch framing.  

Now with Francisco Cervelli due for a big pay day this upcoming off-season and Elias Diaz the likely candidate to fill the starting role the Pirates were able to keep their back-up around for three more years.  So far this season Stewart has stayed consistent, hitting about .280 this year with an .850 OPS.    

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