Pittsburgh Pirates: Potential Future For These Players

Abrahan Gutierrez

The Pirates added a ton of catching talent in the past few years. Endy Rodriguez and Henry Davis were the biggest additions, but Carter Bins and Wyatt Hendrie were also brought into the organization in July 2021. Not to mention that Jason Delay’s performance in the majors has earned him a longer look. Another addition that was made in July 2021 was when the Pirates sent minor league LHP reliever Blake Weiman to the Philadelphia Phillies for catcher Abrahan Gutierrez.

Gutierrez has had a solid season for the High-A Greensboro Grasshoppers, slashing .261/.360/.419. He’s always drawn a ton of walks and has continued to do so, putting up an 11.6% BB%. Granted, his 24.3% K-rate is a career-worst, but his .357 wOBA and 114 wRC+ are well above average. Gutierrez has done pretty well since June, batting .266/.372/.457, posting a .376 wOBA and 121 wRC+. He’s hit for some pretty good power in this stretch with a .191 isolated slugging percentage.

Gutierrez is a pretty solid defender who receives well but has an arm on the weaker side. The Grasshoppers opened the season with all three of Gutierrez, Rodriguez, and Davis on their active roster, so Gutierrez got to see some playing time at first base, further expanding his versatility and giving the Pirates another way to utilize him.

The downside is Gutierrez is going to be Rule 5 eligible, but so is Endy Rodriguez. The Pirates could protect both, but I think there’s a real possibility that the Pirates will consider a trade involving Gutierrez. He could net the Bucs a pitcher with some control remaining beyond 2023.