Height
6'2"
Weight
242 lbs
Age
29
College
Georgia Tech
Draft
2018, Rd 1, #2
Experience
6 yrs
Bats/Throws
R/R
Fan Verdict
Grade this player:
Career StatsD
| Year | Team | GP | AVG | HR | RBI | OPS | SB | H |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Career |  | 337 | 0.239 | 28 | 113 | 0.6885699 | 3 | 239 |
Current Contract
Length
1 year
Total Value
$2.5M
Guaranteed
$1.5M
AAV
$2.5M/yr
Contract Value Index (CVI)
The Pirates' decision to bring Joey Bart aboard on a $2.5M AAV one-year deal earns a C+ CVI, reflecting a reasonable but unspectacular bet on the former top prospect's untapped potential. Bart profiles as a rotational catcher who brings solid defensive fundamentals behind the plate but remains a question mark offensively, making this contract appropriately modest for Pittsburgh's competitive timeline. The catcher market has become increasingly thin league-wide, and while Bart isn't a franchise-caliber backstop, his ability to handle a pitching staff and provide depth at baseball's most demanding position offers decent value at this price point. For a Pirates organization still building toward contention, this represents the type of low-risk flyer that could pay dividends if Bart finally harnesses the bat-to-ball skills that made him the second overall pick in 2018. The one-year structure gives Pittsburgh flexibility to reassess without long-term commitment, though they're essentially paying replacement-level money for what they hope becomes an above-average contributor. It's a sensible move that neither moves the needle significantly nor creates future payroll complications — exactly what you'd expect from a rebuilding club managing resources carefully.
Performance Analysis
Joey Bart grades as a solid performer among MLB catchers, earning a B- Performance grade. He is hitting with a 0.239 batting average and a 0.689 OPS (below the league average of .720) this season. With 28 home runs and 113 RBI through 335 games (a 14-HR, 55-RBI pace over a full season), he brings limited power to the lineup. As a prime-age veteran at 29, Joey is a key contributor for the Pirates. A 335-game sample provides high confidence in this grade.
Recent Games
| Date | OPP | Result | AB | H | R | HR | RBI | BB | SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fri, 4/10 | @ CHC | W 2-0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Wed, 4/8 | vs SD | L 2-8 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 |
Transaction History
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