With the Pittsburgh Pirates eliminated from playoff contention, the team is looking towards next season. On Tuesday, they selected the contract of Rafael Flores from Triple-A Indianapolis. Liover Peguero was optioned to Triple-A in a corresponding move.
Flores, a catcher and first baseman, was acquired at the trade deadline from the New York Yankees as part of the return for David Bednar. MLB Pipeline ranks Flores as the Pirates’ eighth-best prospect, while Baseball America ranked him ninth.
In 36 games with Indianapolis, Flores hit .281 with six home runs. For the season, between three different teams, he’s hit .280 with 22 home runs. He’s primarily played catcher, but has spent time at both first base and designated hitter as well.
Flores has the offensive profile of many catchers. He strikes out at a high rate, but impacts the ball with power when he does connect. He’s also shown the ability to draw walks in the minor leagues, though he does have a tendency to expand the zone.
Defensively, scouts have labeled him a fringe-average catcher. He’ll need to work behind the plate, particularly at catching base stealers, to stick behind the dish. He’s a big target at first base and could find a home there if he doesn’t improve as a backstop.
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The Pirates haven’t received any offensive production at catcher. Their wRC+ of 65 ranks last in baseball. With the minor league season ending, they’ll give Flores a taste of major league action with about ten games remaining. While the sample is too small to make any meaningful conclusions, exposure to the big leagues might help Flores hit the ground running next season, if he figures into the opening day plans.
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