Yankees Should Make a Serious Push for Joey Bart Before the Astros Do
The Houston Astros have shown interest in Pittsburgh Pirates catcher Joey Bart - and that alone should have the Yankees paying attention. Bart was reportedly a key name in trade talks when the Astros and Pirates discussed a deal involving Isaac Paredes. That’s a clear signal: Houston sees something in Bart, and if one of the Yankees’ biggest postseason rivals is circling, it’s time for Brian Cashman to get on the phone.
For New York, the need is obvious. The Yankees are still in search of a right-handed catcher to balance their bench and offer some matchup flexibility.
The free agent market isn’t offering much help, and with the Pirates likely to move Bart - especially after acquiring the catcher who may replace him - the opportunity is there. The Yankees have a strong trade history with Pittsburgh.
They’ve made deals that worked for both sides, and there’s no reason this one couldn’t follow the same path.
Let’s talk about Bart. His 2024 season turned heads - and not just in Pittsburgh.
He was one of the most clutch, productive catchers in baseball for stretches of the year, flashing the offensive upside that once made him a top prospect in the Giants’ system. Sure, that level of production may not be sustainable.
A 121 OPS+ for a catcher is elite territory, and Bart may not live there long-term. But even in a 2025 season that saw some regression, he still posted a 96 OPS+ - just shy of league average - and absolutely mashed left-handed pitching.
We’re talking a .306 average, .891 OPS, and a 152 wRC+ against southpaws. That’s not just platoon value - that’s game-changing in the right spots.
And the Yankees, more than most teams, know how valuable that kind of weapon can be. In the AL East, where lefty fireballers like Garrett Crochet and Aroldis Chapman are regular opponents, having a right-handed bat who can punish that kind of stuff is a luxury.
Bart wouldn’t be expected to carry the offense. He’d know his role from Day 1 - a platoon option, a bench bat, a matchup weapon.
But in that role, he could thrive.
For Aaron Boone, acquiring Bart would open up the most flexible catching and lineup construction he’s had in years. It would give the Yankees the ability to tailor their lineup to the opponent on any given day, especially when facing tough lefties. No more excuses - just options.
So, what would it take to get a deal done?
The Yankees and Pirates have a history of getting creative. The David Bednar deal was a three-for-one that prioritized depth and floor over star power.
The Jameson Taillon trade brought back four players, none of whom were top-tier prospects at the time. Pittsburgh has shown a willingness to take multiple shots rather than holding out for one big name.
A similar approach could work here. JC Escarra has drawn interest from other teams but doesn’t fit cleanly into the Yankees’ roster right now.
Jorbit Vivas is another name who could be included - he’s on the 40-man, and the Pirates might be willing to take a flier. Add in a bullpen arm like Eric Reyzelman or Harrison Cohen, and you’ve got a package that checks a lot of boxes for Pittsburgh: controllable, versatile, and with some upside.
Bart isn’t just a fallback option. He’s one of the few remaining catchers on the market with real upside and a skill set that could actually move the needle. He’s not just another name to fill out the roster - he’s a potential difference-maker in the right matchups, and that’s exactly what the Yankees need.
If the Astros are sniffing around, the Yankees can’t afford to wait. There’s a clear fit here, and the cost shouldn’t be prohibitive. It’s time to act - before Houston does.