Pittsburgh Pirates: 2021 Infield & Catcher Player Grades

Sep 26, 2020; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates designated hitter Colin Moran (19) celebrates with catcher Jacob Stallings (58) and third baseman Ke'Bryan Hayes (13) after hitting a three run home run during the fourth inning against the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 26, 2020; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates designated hitter Colin Moran (19) celebrates with catcher Jacob Stallings (58) and third baseman Ke'Bryan Hayes (13) after hitting a three run home run during the fourth inning against the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /
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PITTSBURGH, PA – SEPTEMBER 28: Jacob Stallings #58 of the Pittsburgh Pirates in action during the game against the Chicago Cubs at PNC Park on September 28, 2021 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA – SEPTEMBER 28: Jacob Stallings #58 of the Pittsburgh Pirates in action during the game against the Chicago Cubs at PNC Park on September 28, 2021 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images) /

Jacob Stallings

GRADE: A-

2021 Stats: 112 games, .246/.335/.369, 8 home runs, 53 RBI, 3.0 WAR

On the other end of the catching spectrum, the Pirates have objectively got the best defensive catcher in the game. He should take home the Gold Glove at his perch behind the dish.

Jacob Stallings is a wonder for the young pitching staff the Pirates have. Anyone who can frame pitches the way Stallings does is a huge confidence boost to the pitcher when they don’t have their best stuff. Stallings did not allow a passed-ball all season long, another feather in his cap defnsively.

Offensively, Stallings provided some run production and more pop than we’ve seen in the past.

He will be 32-years old by the time next season starts but he seems as fresh as could be. Stallings only played in his first MLB game at 26 but didn’t start to see normal reps behind the dish until his age-29 season. His limited time to shine is clearly valuable to him.

With so many young pitchers coming to Pittsburgh over the next few seasons, locking Stallings up and letting him be the mentor while playing and posting some solid numbers is a plus. A short concussion IL stay late in the year shouldn’t be cause for too much concern.