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What to Expect from Pirates Catcher Rafael Flores

Originally posted on New Baseball Media
By Chris Studley | Last updated Sep 16, 2025 6:30 PM ET

With less than two weeks in the 2025 MLB season, the Pirates are set to audition Rafael Flores for 2026. Flores was promoted on September 16 after a strong overall run with Triple-A Indianapolis. The 24-year-old catcher was acquired this past July at the deadline.

What to Expect from Flores

Less than two months ago, the Yankees — a team that’s become a catcher’s factory of late — traded away backstops Rafael Flores and Edgleen Perez, as well as outfielder Brian Sanchez, for closer David Bednar.

Flores was arguably the headliner of the trade on the Pirates’ end, especially given the fact that he was the closest to the MLB level. At the time of the trade, Flores was one of the better power hitters in the Eastern League before being promoted to Triple-A.

The 24-year-old, an undrafted free agent back in 2022 out of juco, cracked 15 home runs and 39 extra-base hits with Somerset (AA).

After a 10-game sample size down in Scranton (AAA), Flores slashed .281/.363/.459 (.822 OPS) with 11 extra-base hits across 36 contests with Indianapolis (AAA).

The 24-year-old, as noted, showcased natural power. From a slightly open stance and able to leverage the pelvis and upper body in rotation, Flores was able to smack balls both to the pull side and opposite field. Although overall, Flores leans to the former, not shocking.

Direction	Percentage
Pull%	40.2%
Straight%	35.2%
Opposite%	24.6%

Triple-A data

Flores can hit fastballs but showed vulnerability to them up in the zone. Overall, the Whiff% on four-seamers was 36.7%. It wasn’t as high on offspeed (changeup/splitter) offerings, and it’s worth noting that he got a few cookies in the middle of the zone that he drilled down in Triple-A.

Rafael Flores 2025 AAA HR Chart Red indicates four-seamers, gray indicates changeup, and orange indicates sliders. (via New Baseball Media)

He also took his walks, 26 to be exact, across 206 plate appearances. Flores hacked at pitches outside of the zone 23% of the time at the highest Minor League level.

Defensively, Flores saw most of his time behind the dish but also saw action at first base. He played 19 games at first, split between Somerset and Indianapolis.

Flores wasn’t particularly strong when it came to gunning down runners. Last year, his CS% was 16.1%. Career-wise, that rate is 16.2% overall. As for passed balls, he allowed five in 91 games this season.

The Pirates officially promoted Rafael Flores on September 16, adding him to the 40-man roster.

Analysis

It was likely a formality that Flores would have been added to the Pirates’ 40-man roster at some point between now and November. The 24-year-old would have been Rule 5-eligible had he not been added, since this is his fourth professional season after signing at 21 years of age.

But for the next two weeks, the Pirates will get a look at someone who the team will hope can be an answer behind the plate down the road.

Henry Davis, the 25-year-old, slashed .157/.230/.265 (.495 OPS) this season as one of two primary catchers for the Pirates.

Joey Bart‘s average of .249 this season is better than Davis’. However, Bart came into the day with two home runs across 312 PA. Bart, who’s rolling over a lot (38.9% Topped%) this season, is one of 10 players with two or fewer home runs with 300+ PA this year.

Given how few runners Flores threw out behind the plate, his ability behind the plate is somewhat of a concern. But, the power is very intriguing.

This article first appeared on New Baseball Media and was syndicated with permission.

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