Pirates Sign Yasmani Grandal for 2.5 Million

2-11-24 – By Gary Morgan – @garymo2007 on X

In keeping with the cherished tradition of the Ben Cherington era, the Pirates signed what at the very least is a notable name during a time when most of the country is busy doing anything but caring about what the Pirates do.

That’s right, even as Usher is singing at the Super Bowl halftime show, details are coming together about the Pirates one year pact with Cuban Catcher/1B/DH Yasmani Grandal.

Coming right off the heels of missing out on Gary Sanchez, fans could have supposed a whole lot of things. Were they just looking for another bat who could handle some games behind the dish? Were they looking for a starting catcher or primarily a backup option that’s of a higher pedigree than Ali Sanchez or Jason Delay?

What does all of this mean for Henry Davis catching?

I don’t expect to have answers from the team on this stuff until mid week when Pitchers and Catchers report, but, even then, I’m sure they’ll leave it cloudy. Hell, maybe they don’t even know and this is little more than an insurance policy.

Grandal is 35 years old and this will be his 13th MLB season. His best years are behind him but last year he caught in 92 games. Now, he did it, but his -11 Defensive runs saved, well, it makes you wonder how damn bad they must think Henry could be if you entertain this being a starting role at all or how great they think Henry will be so as to consider this what you want in a backup role.

He’s got some versatility in positions, if you think the bat is something you want to get in there.

For many of you Yasmani is always going to be what he was in 2019 with the Brewers but he hasn’t been that since 2021.

In 2022, he appeared in 99 games, with a .202 average and an OPS of .570 and 5 HR.
In 2023, he appeared in 118 games, with a .234 average and an OPS of .647 and 8 HR.

For perspective, in 2021 he played 93 games, with a .240 average and an OPS of .939 and 23 HR.

One year, you can usually hope for a bounce back, two years you’re usually looking for a resurrection.

I mean, here is Yasmani Grandal as he stacks up against his peers.

And here is Jason Delay.

Now, there’s more to it than just a set of numbers. Having a veteran, you know, older than Delay to help bring along the young catching room, but this is not a starting caliber catcher anymore in this league, and should we find out that’s their plan, I’ll have some words I’m sure. Probably in time for 5 thoughts tomorrow in fact.

My guess, for 2.5 million, they see him as an insurance policy. It’s even less than Rowdy Tellez is making.

Really don’t think he has much left, but I’m also quite sure some of the young Latin players will enjoy having him in the room.

More to come, after I’ve had time to digest both this and the nacho platter I made for the Super Bowl.