Pirates trade prediction lands new .698 OPS catcher for Paul Skenes

The Pittsburgh Pirates have a clear positional need in the infield. 

After last week's trade that sent catcher Joey Bart to the Atlanta Braves, the Pirates could be active on the trade market. 

"The Bucs could go in any number of directions at the deadline, but what they really need is someone solid behind the plate," wrote Bleacher Report's Zachary D. Rymer. "Former No. 1 pick Henry Davis has seen the bulk of the action only to post a 45 wRC+." 

In 50 games, Davis is slashing .136/.238/.280 with five home runs and a .519 OPS. Those are poor numbers for a regular in the lineup. 

Rymer predicts that the Pirates will target a veteran catcher from the AL Central. He is a switch-hitter who can also play first base. 

"[Victor] Caratini has a career 92 wRC+, though his experience playing on winning teams should interest a generally younger team like the Pirates," Rymer wrote. 

Caratini has hit six homers with 30 RBIs and a .698 OPS in the first year of a two-year, $14 million contract with the Minnesota Twins. 

That's not astounding numbers, but a vast improvement over Davis. 

"He's on a two-year contract, so the offer would have to be worth the Twins' while. Wilber Dotel, Pittsburgh's No. 10 prospect, would surely get them to listen," Rymer added. 

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The best time for the Pirates to be aggressive at the deadline is now. They have a strong pitching staff, headlined by Paul Skenes. 

Pittsburgh might need more of a veteran presence behind the plate if they clinch a postseason berth. Caratini can provide that. 

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