Joey Bart collapse gives Pirates a problem they can’t keep defending

The Pittsburgh Pirates knew coming into 2026 that catcher was one of the weakest spots on the roster. What they probably didn’t anticipate was just how unplayable the position would become offensively through the season’s first month.

At this point, the numbers are hard to even look at. Henry Davis is hitting .169 with a .489 OPS through 59 at-bats. Joey Bart has somehow been worse, batting .158 with a .477 OPS through 38 at-bats. That isn’t simply below average production. That’s a black hole in a lineup already struggling to consistently capitalize with runners in scoring position.

And while Davis still carries the benefit of age, upside, and organizational investment, the conversation around Bart has shifted dramatically. If the Pirates designated him for assignment tomorrow, the reaction from much of the fanbase would probably be less outrage and more confusion over why it took this long.

That’s how quickly things have deteriorated.

The frustrating part is that Bart’s collapse feels especially jarring because there were legitimate signs of life not that long ago. During the second half of 2025, Bart looked like a player finally figuring things out offensively. He slashed .277/.398/.436 with an .834 OPS, showing improved discipline and the ability to grind out quality at-bats. For a Pirates team desperate for stability behind the plate, it looked like maybe they had finally found something salvageable.

Instead, the early months of 2026 have erased nearly all of that optimism.

Pirates fans are watching Joey Bart's leash disappear in real time

More concerning than the offense, however, is what’s happening defensively and with the pitching staff overall. Fans are noticing it. The numbers seem to support it. The Pirates’ elite run prevention machine suddenly looks a lot shakier whenever Bart is behind the plate.

That’s a problem the Pirates cannot ignore.

A catcher can survive with a light bat if he controls the game defensively, frames well, guides pitchers, and helps maximize one of baseball’s best rotations. But if the offense disappears and the staff performance suffers, the margin for patience vanishes almost overnight.

Meanwhile, pressure is building from Triple-A Indianapolis. Rafael Flores has started swinging the bat better after a rough opening stretch, while Endy Rodríguez continues working his way back into form and versatility. Neither player looks like a perfect solution right now, but the Pirates are rapidly approaching the point where “not perfect” may still be preferable to what they’re currently getting.

The Pirates built this roster around pitching dominance and improved offensive depth. They cannot afford to keep carrying a catcher who isn’t contributing to either objective.

Bart still has time to change the narrative. But that window is closing fast.

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