Pittsburgh Pirates 2024 Opening Day Roster Projection 2.0

Some things have changed since our Opening Day roster prediction at the start of January

May 16, 2023; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates manager Derek Shelton (17) looks on before
May 16, 2023; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates manager Derek Shelton (17) looks on before | Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
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Catcher - Henry Davis, Jason Delay

This is one position that has not changed since our last roster prediction.

With Endy Rodriguez set to miss the season with Tommy John surgery, the time is now for Henry Davis behind the plate. The former no. 1 overall pick will enter the season as the guy behind the plate, and the Pirates need him to be that guy. Especially with the bat.

If things falter for Davis behind the dish then the Pirates, for multiple reasons, are in a real pickle. It's time for Davis to show why he was selected no. 1 overall in the 2021 MLB Draft.

As for Jason Delay, he is coming off a season that can be chalked up as a solid one for a backup catcher. He hit for a .251/.319/.347 slash line with an 82 wRC+, 83 OPS+, and ranked 11th in all of baseball in pitch framing at +5 runs framed. That is more than good enough for a backup catcher.

Schedule