Pittsburgh Pirates: Trade or Keep – Jacob Stallings

My Verdict

The Pittsburgh Pirates should have a high asking price on Stallings, and rightfully so. He brings something to the table many catchers don’t. He’s one of the best defensively and is about league average with the bat. He’s just about 4% below league average this year, and nearly on par with your average catcher when it comes to hitting. That helps a young pitching staff as well. He is a bit older, already being 31, but that’s about the only big downside.

However, I think the Pittsburgh Pirates end up keeping Stallings for now. Now that doesn’t mean he won’t be at least talked about and brought up in rumors. The Pirates should listen to offers on anyone that isn’t Hayes, Reynolds, Brubaker, or any other rookies. But unless a team is willing to part with a sizable prospect package including at least one consensus top 100 prospect, or at least one high-end prospect (consensus top 50 or higher), essentially saying that unless it’s an overpay and not by a little bit, the Pirates should hold onto Stallings.

Having a good catcher that pitchers are comfortable throwing to brings a whole lot of value, especially considering the ten plus notable young arms that will be making their major league debuts within the next 1-3 seasons. Many of said arms are projected to be key pieces of the Pirates’ next competitive core.